Leaders call for action on social care ahead of Autumn Budget

Leaders have called on the chancellor to provide urgent action on social care in today’s Autumn Budget.

Daisy Cooper (c) UK Parliament

Daisy Cooper (c) UK Parliament

The Liberal Democrats said there had been a ‘deafening silence' on social care and called for cross-party talks, while Care England said urgent action was required to fill the sector's £10bn funding gap.

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said: ‘The Government must urgently start cross-party talks on social care before it is too late.

‘This must be a Budget to save the NHS from the brink of collapse, and that cannot happen without a proper plan to fix social care.'

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said over £10bn was required to fill the gap between the average fee paid to providers and the cost of care, and to pay staff at a level commensurate with their role.

Care England called on the chancellor to establish a stable, inflation-linked funding model for a minimum of three years to provide security and sustainability for care providers and to recognise adult social care's high return on investment and capacity to drive growth in economically disadvantaged regions.

Professor Green said: ‘The evidence supporting investment in adult social has never been more compelling. Not only does it strengthen community health and reduce NHS pressures, but it is also a powerful economic driver where money is needed. This Budget is an opportunity for the Government to choose a path that supports both vulnerable individuals and local economies across the country.'

NHS dissatisfaction hits record levels

NHS dissatisfaction hits record levels

By Lee Peart 02 April 2025

NHS dissatisfaction levels have hit record levels with just one in five people (21%) content with services.

Government sets out new cyber laws to protect public services

By Liz Wells 01 April 2025

The government has set out the scope of its Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which will introduce new cyber laws to protect public services and safeguard ...

Digital care model could save NHS over £360m annually, whitepaper shows

By Liz Wells 01 April 2025

A digitally-enabled model of care in care homes could improve outcomes, reduce hospital admissions, and save the NHS more than £360m annually, new research r...


Popular articles by Lee Peart