Issue 139 15.03.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Calls for ringfenced funds for social care THE National Care Forum is calling on the Chancellor to ring-fence funding for care. Having submitted representation to the Treasury, the NCF working with the Care Provider Alliance which brings together industry bodies from across the sector have published an analysis which draws on the Fair Cost of Care reports published by councils in England, revealing that in 2021/22, the government paid at least £2.88billion less than the actual cost of delivering care to people in their own homes, and in care homes for those aged over 65. This under funding is only the tip of the iceberg, as the CPA Analysis also highlights the impact on services for working age adults and unregulated services. Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the NCF, said: “As the Chancellor prepares his spring budget statement, we ask that he ensures there is funding, adjusted for inflation, to meet the three-year pledges in the People at the Heart of Care white paper in full. “The Government must also commit to a fully funded, 10-year national workforce plan for adult social care which improves pay, terms and conditions for the sector. “We need to see a move away from short-term emergency funding that is focused on
hospital discharge, towards a longer-term and co-designed funded strategy, with greater focus on community and prevention services. “At a time when energy costs remain a critical issue for businesses, the Chancellor must create a tailored energy scheme to protect providers, and those accessing their services, from high energy bills, to bring confidence and stability to the sector. “The addition of adult social care to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme Energy and Trade Intensive Industries list, alongside the museums, zoos and libraries already listed, offers an immediate way to help. We would also like to see zero rated VAT rather than exemption, particularly for not-for-profit adult social care providers. The existing funding shortfall is unsustainable and cannot continue. “Care providers are depleting their reserves, relying on charitable income and are having to increase self-funder fees to subsidise the state and are unable to expand their care and support services to meet rising demand from people across the country. “It is imperative that the government delivers and ringfences funding for adult social care providers that is realistic to the actual cost of delivering that care.”
A wildlife charity has praised the ‘amazing efforts’ of a pair of Winchester care homes who have together raised £2,750 to help its work. Hart Wildlife, which rescues sick and injured animals and birds from across Hampshire and neighbouring counties, was the nominated charity last year for the Colten Care homes Abbotts Barton and St Catherines View. Residents and staff at both homes staged a series of fundraising activities with the main money spinner being a joint, family-friendly fete that netted more than £1,600 on its own. Other initiatives included a sponsored weekly mufti day for staff, seasonal raffles and sales of homemade greeting cards. The nominated charity for 2023 is the Sutton Scotney-based Boaz Project, a therapeutic work community for adults with learning disabilities.
Group named a finalist in Awards ACI Care has been named as a finalist in the ‘Residential Care Provider of the Year Small Group’ category at the HealthInvestor Awards. The group, which focuses on providing care to older people living in Kent, East Sussex and Northamptonshire, has been named as one of six finalists up for the prestigious industry accolade – which celebrates the very best health and social care providers that manage under 10 settings. Operating across four homes, ACI Care’s team provides residential, respite and dementia care, with their core focus being to enable residents to live independent and fulfilling lives. Director Ravi Sodha said: “We’re honoured to be recognised alongside some other
incredible care providers. “This is a great achievement for us, and showcases the hard work and commitment we’ve put into ensuring we continually improve upon and provide the best level of care in each of our homes.” The awards are the culmination of information submitted by companies operating, investing or advising in healthcare. Organisations are asked to complete an online form and to submit a 2,000-word supporting document that is put forward to the relevant judging panel, which consists of high profile, independent judges from across the sector. The winners will be announced on June 7 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.
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