Yesterday’s Budget was delivered against a backdrop of inflation, demographic change, rising workforce costs, increasing demand for care and tightening local authority budgets. These have all added to the existing financial pressures the social care sector faces.
Whilst the NHS was afforded significant investment, in excess of £25 billion, the social care sector is only due to receive £600 million of new grant funding. Although investment into the sector is welcome, as recognised by the Darzi Review, the sustainability of the NHS is fundamentally interconnected with that of social care. A properly functioning and adequately resourced social care sector is vital to the success of the NHS.
The increase to the weekly earnings limit for carer’s allowance is a positive step towards improving the financial security of carers, particularly women, who form the majority of those in caregiving roles. It also enables greater flexibility for carers to balance work and care responsibilities.
With the 10-Year Health Plan and the Spending Review on the horizon for the spring, the Government must work with the sector to establish a roadmap for social care reform. Comprehensive and sustainable investment in social care will not only support the NHS but is crucial to achieving long-term improvements in public services, economic growth, and fiscal sustainability.
Getting this right is of paramount importance, not just for those who draw on care and support but for the economy as well; the value of the social care sector to our economy is immense. The adult social care sector is estimated to contribute £68.1 billion to our economy annually.
Kathryn Smith
Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)