NCF Member Briefing 3.11.23
Growing a Greener Future
On 9th November, join us at the Chocolate Quarter at St Monica Trust in Keynsham, near Bristol, as we look towards the next 30 years and explore what we all need to do to grow a greener future. The event will provide an opportunity for our team to talk through our environmental sustainability work in more detail, as well as hear more about what different parts of the membership are currently doing. Your input will shape the work that we do. We would greatly appreciate it if you could extend an invitation to your colleagues responsible for sustainability in your company, or any other relevant team members whom you believe should join us for this occasion. Please register for the event.
COVID-19 Public Inquiry
This week has seen a number of troubling revelations about the chaotic nature of government decision-making and prioritisation during the pandemic. The lack of any planning, a macho and misogynistic culture, indecisiveness and a failure to consider adult social care are the stark themes already emerging - as is the tendency for some witnesses to try and distance themselves from key decisions or point the finger at other individuals or organisations. The NCF is one of the core participants of Module 2 of the Inquiry and has submitted an opening statement outlining our views and concerns about government decision-making during the pandemic. We have been very clear that there was general neglect shown towards adult social care by the core political and administrative decision-makers in the UK government. This can be expressed in three ways:
Social care was overlooked in key decision-making moments.
Social care was misunderstood (it was seen as care homes for older adults, rather than a diverse system of care and support services for all ages, with a workforce of 1.6m, larger than the NHS.)
Social care was disadvantaged (especially in comparison to the NHS. Indeed, the focus of decision-making appeared to be protecting the NHS rather than citizens in all communities).
The neglect of social care by key political and administrative decision makers was prevalent and entrenched prior to the pandemic and was then reflected in their response to the additional challenges faced by the sector as a result of Covid-19. We are urging the Inquiry Team to use the statements above to frame their investigations and questions of witnesses during the module 2 hearings and in the consideration of submitted evidence. A failure to focus on those factors will create a risk that the Inquiry will itself neglect consideration of adult social care. That risk is already demonstrated by the minimal focus placed on social care in the evidence received from core decision makers.
We will keep members updated on key developments in the inquiry.
The King's Speech
On Tuesday the government will outline the remainder of its legislative agenda before the next general election. The House of Lords Library has done a useful summary of what might be included.
We are unlikely to see anything relating to social care reform, other than some secondary legislation to enshrine a legal right for people to visit their loved ones in care homes and hospitals. We will have more on this when we have more detail.
The other piece of significant legislation may be the Mental Health Act Reform Bill, which is long overdue. This legislation is likely to be widely welcomed, but it must be accompanied by the funding needed in community health and social care services to make it work effectively. We are also unsure about whether there is enough time left in this parliament to actually get it through.
Market Sustainability Insight Report
DHSC published its Market Sustainability Insight Report earlier this week, consolidating insights from local authority Market Sustainability Plans (MSPs) into one accessible document. The report captures a broad range of views, from both local government and provider representatives. Drawing from the MSPs published by local authorities in March 2023, the report outlines common challenges faced by local authorities and highlights a range of strategies employed to address these challenges.
The report also sheds light on market-shaping initiatives undertaken by local authorities to ensure sustainability. NCF will be taking a closer look at the contents of this report over the next week or two, and comparing it to our own analysis of the MSPs.
Accelerating Reform Fund Webinars
SCIE is running a series of webinars about the Accelerating Reform Fund, to share information on what's expected from programme participants. There are two dates available on 14 and 27 November. You will need to create an account to access the webinar registration on the SCIE website.
State of Caring 2023
Carers UK has published its latest report on the State of Caring, focusing on the health of carers.
At a glance:
82% of carers said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge.
79% of carers said that they feel stressed or anxious.
49% of carers said that they feel depressed.
50% of carers said that they feel lonely.
61% of carers said they needed more support to be able to look after their health and wellbeing.
44% of carers said they had put off health treatment because of their caring role.
42% of carers said they needed more support from the NHS or healthcare professionals.
78% of carers were worried about being unable to provide care in the future.
Flu and COVID-19 National Marketing Campaign
On 1 November, the government launched the national marketing campaign encouraging those that are eligible but still unvaccinated to come forward for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines this autumn/winter to 'get winter strong':
Second instalment of the cost-of-living payment
On 31 October, the government announced the second cost-of-living payment, with a further payment due to be made to eligible households by spring next year.
The payments are tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards. Those who are eligible will be paid automatically and do not need to apply for the payment or do anything to receive it.
In addition, nearly three million low-income households are also eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount.
From 1 November, cold weather payments came into effect to provide eligible households £25 extra a week when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days across the UK.