Autumn budget leaves much to be desired for social care

31/10/24

Yesterday's budget leaves much to be desired when it comes to social care funding.

Though workers' pay needs to be strengthened across the sector, the increases in the National Living Wage and the Employer's National Insurance contribution will come at a high cost for the sector which represents 5% of the nation's workforce.

Announcing £600m of local government funding alongside £22.6bn for the NHS leaves a bitter taste, suggesting that despite the advice available from the sector if the Government wished to work with us, that there is still a huge gap in understanding that the sectors are interdependent, and as critical as one another.

However, a welcome announcement from the budget comes as the earnings limit on Carer's Allowance is being raised to 16 hours at the National Living Wage, allowing many more working carers to access this funding. We are glad to see tangible recognition of the invaluable support carers offer.