2024-02-06 16:33:51
Latest Local Government Finance Settlement will leave care providers footing the bill
It is highly disappointing that the Government has chosen not to address the pressing financial challenges in adult social care through the Local Government Finance Settlement, clearly illustrated by a difference of more than 2% between the settlement and the upcoming National Living Wage increase.
“This discrepancy between the increase to the settlement of 7.5% and the upcoming National Living Wage increase of 9.8% means it is highly unlikely that Local Authority fees will be able to cover the cost of care, leaving care providers to foot the bill,” says Steve Veevers, CEO of learning disability charity Hft.
“This chimes with our latest Sector Pulse Check report, written in partnership with Care England, which reported that 79% of adult social care providers said that Local Authority fees did not cover the costs associated with the increasing National Living Wage. This is likely to remain the status quo,” Mr Veevers continues.
“We are mindful that it is positive that, in comparison to the provisional settlement, social care will receive an additional £500m, but as we have already highlighted, this amounts to just £2-3m for each Local Authority, split across Children’s and Adult Social Care, so in real terms this is a paltry amount for our sector.
“The Government doesn’t seem to realise the gravity of the situation. When will they properly support and recognise our sector with the financial sustainability it so desperately needs?”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
