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 May, references to 'adult social care' appeared in 329 unique media articles across the UK, a figure more than 32 per cent higher than April's coverage statistics, which stood at 249 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 May focused on several key recurring themes concerning the problems relating to local authorities struggling to maintain financial stability whilst coping with increasing demand for services, including adult social care. However, there was also a spike in coverage relating to Labour's New Deal for Working People, now rebranded as Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay, and what it may mean for pay and conditions in the sector. This appears to have been made particularly relevant in the news given the recent calling of a July 4th general election and consequent closer scrutiny of parties' plans for the sector.
A central focus of news outlets, including Sky News, The Guardian and BBC News, focused on the sharp reduction in the number of people applying for the government's Health and Care Worker visa since a new ban on bringing dependants into the country has been put in place. Just 12,400 people applied for the Health and Care Worker visa from January to April this year. During the same period last year, 50,900 applications were made - 76 per cent more than this year. The Home Office has also stepped up efforts to stamp out abuse of the care worker scheme by bogus employers. The decline in immigration figures follows last year's record net migration figures of 745,000. However, there are concerns all this will do is exacerbate the social care sector's workforce shortage. This shortage in staff can be seen by looking at vacancy rates. In 2022/23, the overall social care vacancy rate was 9.9 per cent, or 152,000 roles.
The Independent reported on the crisis in social care being exemplified by the fact that dementia patients occupy a quarter of all NHS hospital beds.
According to Home Care Insight, leaders across the social care sector are urging immediate government reforms to address severe issues in social care, highlighting the chronic underfunding and workforce problems of the industry.
Meanwhile, ITV has published the recent findings of a survey revealing that nearly a third of councils are doubtful they can meet their basic legal duties for elderly and vulnerable residents next year.
In other news, Community Care reported on the general election announcement and what it means for the sector in the years ahead.
2. The Independent - Social care crisis laid bare as quarter of NHS beds occupied by dementia patients
The crisis in social care is highlighted by the fact that dementia patients occupy a quarter of all NHS hospital beds. These patients often experience longer stays due to a lack of community care, leading to distress and complications. Debbie Abrahams MP criticised the government for not addressing the need for specialised dementia care and funding, stating that the current crisis reflects their failure to reform social care. She emphasised the importance of a standalone strategy for dementia, which was promised but not delivered.
3. Home Care Insight - Experts demand urgent care reform amidst crisis and shift towards privatisation
Leaders from Personal Care Specialists, Alpha Care Services, A&A Homecare, and AliMo Care are urging immediate government reforms to address severe issues in social care. They highlight chronic underfunding, leading to delayed payments and significant financial strains, especially for smaller agencies. Minimal funding increases from local authorities do not match rising wages, exacerbating financial stress and morale. They call for reforms ensuring better support for unpaid carers and a sustainable funding model prioritising service users' welfare to prevent the collapse of the social care system.
4. ITV - Almost one in three councils no longer confident they can provide basic adult social care
A deep dive into the adult social care crisis reveals that nearly a third of councils are doubtful they can meet their basic legal duties for elderly and vulnerable residents next year. Research from the Local Government Association (LGA) shows that confidence among adult social care leads has plummeted, with only eight per cent confident about meeting statutory duties for 2025/26, down from 27 per cent for 2024/25. Fothergill, social care spokesperson for the LGA, acknowledges the unmet promises of the Care Act, noting persistent long wait times and insufficient care.
5. Sky News - Health and care worker visa applications down 76 per cent this year
There has been a significant decline in applications for Health and Care Worker visas in the early months of this year compared to the same period last year. From January to April this year, only 12,400 applications were made, a 76 per cent drop from the 50,900 applications in the same period last year. This decline is attributed to the government's March announcement that social care workers could no longer bring dependents on their visas. Home Secretary James Cleverly claims these changes demonstrate the effectiveness of the government's plan to reduce legal migration, emphasising control and fairness in the immigration system.
6. Community Care - What the 2024 general election means for social care
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4, initiating a six-week campaign. In his announcement, Sunak focused on various issues but did not mention social care, an area facing significant challenges. Labour aims to introduce a 'national care service' and improve pay for adult social care staff to enhance recruitment and retention. Council finances are strained, with emergency support and significant overspending in adult and children's social care budgets. Both parties face fiscal constraints, aiming to reduce public debt without raising taxes significantly.