The proposed adult social care Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) model is unworkable without adequate funding and meaningful local government involvement, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
While supporting efforts to improve pay and conditions for the social care workforce, the LGA says the current proposals risk placing unsustainable pressure on councils.
Local authorities are the largest commissioners of adult social care. In 2025/26, adult social care cost councils £26.7bn, around 40% of local budgets.
The Government has pledged £500m for the first FPA in 2028, but with 1.6 million workers potentially in scope, the LGA believes this funding is insufficient.
The LGA is calling for full central government funding of all costs, direct council representation on the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, and recognition of the legal and financial burdens councils face to protect care provision and financial stability.
Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the LGA’s Local Government Resources Committee, said the focus on improving pay in adult social care was ‘vital’ but emphasised that local government needs to be part of ‘decision-making’ when it comes to the FPA.
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