Homecare Association responds to the Autumn Statement
Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the Autumn Statement 2022.
Dr Jane Townson, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association said:
The Chancellor rightly recognised the vital role that social care plays in supporting older and disabled people and the interdependence of the NHS and social care.
Homecare plays a vital role in enabling us all to live well at home and flourish in our communities. We have already seen the impact of the lack of capacity in homecare, with over half a million people on council waiting lists for care and thousands of people stuck in hospital unable to be discharged home. In turn this is having a negative impact on waiting times for ambulances and treatment in the NHS. The Chancellor has recognised the fact that homecare simply cannot meet the demand, and we welcome the substantial investment.
Wage bills are typically at least 70% of total costs for homecare providers and the rise in the National Living Wage to £10.42 will further increase the cost of delivery. We strongly support investment in our workforce. The additional funding must be directed to improving pay and terms of conditions of employment so we can grow and develop the workforce to meet demand.
We are concerned that some of the funding is based on increasing Council Tax. Councils in areas of higher deprivation with lower house prices will receive less funding for any increase in the rate. This will increase existing inequalities exacerbating the post code lottery for care.
Investing in homecare is key to helping people return to the workforce. It is also essential for preventing deterioration in health, avoiding unnecessary admission to hospital, and reducing waiting times for treatment and discharge home when ready. We look forward to supporting the Review of Workforce Participation.
Notes for Editors
The Homecare Association is the UK’s membership body for homecare providers, with over 2,300 members nationally. The Homecare Association’s mission is to work together to ensure that homecare is valued, so that all of us can live well at home and flourish within our communities. The Homecare Association takes the lead in shaping homecare, in collaboration with partners across the care sector, and provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members. As a member-led professional association, the Homecare Association's members agree to abide by the Association's Code of Practice.
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