Care Sector Insight (26.01.2024)
A Message from our CEO
"Whilst this week's announcement that the government to put an extra £500 million into the local authorities to cover some of the social care funding challenges is greatly welcomed it is another example of a short-term fix and what we need is a long-term and strategic solution.
This is going to be an election year and no doubt we will see a lot of promises from various political parties about what they intend to do for social care. The cynic in me knows that we have been here before, and we have had so many broken promises, but the system is now at breaking point and what we need is a long-term and strategic solution that recognizes the vital role of social care. We need to recognise the interdependence between health and care and see social care as an economic generator, both in terms of enabling people to live good lives and for people receiving support and their carers to be economically active. I hope that politicians will realise the importance of social care, and during this general election campaign, will make commitments, that they will deliver if they become the government."
Policy Highlights
Government announces a further £600 million boost for councils
It has been announced by the Levelling Up Secretary that councils across England will receive a £600 million support package, in addition to funding outlined at the provisional settlement, to help them deliver key services. This support package will primarily see an additional £500 million added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets. All councils will also see an increase in Core Spending Power of at least 4% through the Funding Guarantee before any local choices on council tax, efficiencies, or reserves - an increase from the 3% announced at the provisional settlement. The Treasury will be providing £500m with further details set out in the upcoming Budget whilst details on the distribution of this funding will be included in the final Local Government Finance Settlement early next month.
The government is clear this funding is to be used to address the pressures facing councils and improve performance. It should not be put aside for later use or spent on areas that are not a priority. Separately, councils will be asked to produce productivity plans which will set out how they will improve service performance and reduce wasteful spending. Alongside this, an expert panel to advise the government on financial sustainability in the sector will be established by DLUHC and contain both internal and external experts. Work will also continue between DLUHC, DfE and DHSC to ensure value for money and sustainability of the sector.
Updates from Sector Partners
Government announces nearly £50m of new funding for dementia research
More people with dementia across the UK will be able to take part in research into the condition and help accelerate the development of new treatments. This comes after the Government announces £49.9 million of new funding. The investment will go towards a coordinated network of dementia trials sites across the country.
2023 Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) report, pay gap reports, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data
The NMC published standalone versions of their 2023 Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) report, pay gap reports, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data.