Introduction
In this edition of Bridgehead Social Care's monthly news round-up we examine the adult social care sector's news coverage over the past month.
Between 1 and 31 March, references to 'adult social care' appeared in 682 unique media articles across the UK, a figure nearly 22 per cent higher than February's coverage statistics, which stood at 561 articles.
For context, the chart below plots mentions of adult social care on a month-by-month basis over the past 12 months.
Coverage in March focused on several key recurring themes concerning the problems relating to rising levels of council tax as a means of meeting rising social care demand. However, there was also a rise in coverage relating to the long-term effects of the pandemic on the social care sector and its lasting impacts in shaping care provision and the broader political debate on the topic.
A central focus of newspapers, including The Guardian, Nursing Times and the Financial Times, focused on the recent publication of a major report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The report revealed that there are now over 152,000 vacancies out of approximately 1.6 million positions, underscoring a critical shortage in the sector. Moreover, the financial burden on local authorities, responsible for managing and delivering social care, is profound. With more than one million people supported at a cost of £23.7 billion in 2022-23, the economic strain on local government is evident. The presence of nearly half a million individuals on waiting lists as of Autumn 2023 further highlights the shortage of care provision and, given that most councils are already facing 'bankruptcy' this year and next, an urgent need for effective long-term solutions.
BBC News reported on the staggering shortage of care workers in Cumbria and the concerns about pay in the sector.
According to Care Appointments, the Spring Budget was a disappointment for social care, with representatives concerned by the lack of additional support for local government.
Meanwhile, The Guardian has published an interview with Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, who called for cross-party talks on social care to tackle its growing state of crisis.
In other news, India Today reported on the government's introduction of a ban on care workers' dependents from coming to Britain.
BBC News - Westmorland and Furness: Fifth of social worker and care roles 'vacant'
In Cumbria, vacancies in social work and occupational therapy stand at over 20 percent, almost double the national average, with affordable housing and competition from NHS jobs seen as key challenges. About 63 percent of care workers were found to earn below the national living wage, contributing to the sector's high turnover. The council's pay of £12.80 per hour is nearly equal to supermarket assistant wages and seen as insufficient for the demanding nature of care work.
Care Appointments - Social care among sectors feeling forgotten after Budget
The Spring Budget has left the social care sector, already described as struggling by charities and providers, without significant support, intensifying concerns about its future. Despite the Budget confirming £500 million for council social care services, experts like the Nuffield Trust and the King’s Fund argue these measures fall short, with many still lacking needed care and raising alarms over potential delays in adult care reform.
India Today - UK ban on overseas care workers from bringing families starts this week
The UK has tightened visa rules, barring overseas care workers, including those from India, from bringing family dependents. This follows the Home Office's concern over the high number of dependents per worker in the care sector, with 120,000 dependents for 100,000 workers last year. Representatives from the care sector remain concerned over the effect this may have on recruitment.
The Guardian - Ed Davey: ‘We need a cross-party agreement on social care’
Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, announced a commitment to initiate cross-party discussions on social care in their upcoming manifesto, urging the Tories and Labour to pledge the same. Davey proposed ideas like a special national minimum wage for care workers and enhanced support for family carers to contribute to these talks. The call for bipartisan cooperation follows a history of unfulfilled promises and failed negotiations on social care reform.
Nursing Times - MPs urge government to publish social care workforce plan
The House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee reported that the Department of Health and Social Care is not meeting its commitment to overhaul adult social care in England, highlighting severe workforce shortages, insufficient funding, and growing waitlists. The crisis is underscored by more than 152,000 job vacancies in the sector. The committee criticised the scaling back and delays in reforms, emphasizing the need for the sector to hold the government accountable for the promised transformations.