Laura Sharman 12 February 2019

Double the number of providers handing back care contracts to councils

The number of social care providers handing back contracts to councils has more than doubled in 2018, new research has revealed.

Research commissioned by Hft found 59% of providers have also been forced to close down some parts of their organisation due to cost pressures. Nearly seven out of ten warn they expect to do the same in the near future.

The report also found 80% providers report low wages as the biggest barrier to recruiting and retaining staff.

‘This year’s sector pulse check is a red flag for the future of social care,’ said Billy Davis, public affairs and policy manager for Hft.

‘With repeated calls for a sustainable funding solution going unheeded, we are now seeing the true cost of government inaction on providers.

‘More than half of providers have reported needing to hand back financially unsustainable contracts in the past year. This is culturally at odds with how many providers in the sector operate, particularly with individuals who may have been supported by a provider for much of their adult lives.’

Pablo Shah, economist at Cebr, added: ‘The results of the latest survey highlight that cost pressures are intensifying for the UK’s care providers, with nearly a third of organisations that are not already running a deficit expecting to do so within the next two years.’

Last week Mears warned social care providers will fail until Green Paper is published.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner