At Alternative Futures Group, we were eagerly anticipating the Autumn Budget announcement from Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Our CEO, Ian Pritchard, commented: “Still reeling from 14 years of government cuts, it was essential for Westminster to confront the financial void crippling the social care sector. With fee variations hitting 20% between councils and a 24% increase in demand for supported living services projected for adults with learning disabilities by 2030, charities and providers can no longer bridge this financial gap.
“It was therefore promising to hear the Chancellor’s promise of a £600m grant funding for social care, which is a step in the right direction. However, with provider costs set to significantly increase with a 1.2% NI employers rise and the National Living Wage increasing by 6.7%, the £600m will be insufficient to address the legacy shortfall combined with new costs that is needed. The amount to “fix” the social care deficit varies but was estimated prior to the Budget by the Health Foundation in the region of £8.3billion just to keep up with growing demand.
With the NHS receiving £22bn, social care still feels very much like a financial afterthought.”