Care England has warned local authorities that proposed fee rate increases may not be enough to provide quality care as the pandemic leaves many providers struggling to cope financially.
The largest representative body of independent adult social care providers has written to all local authority directors of adult social services stressing the unprecedented financial impact upon care providers.
“We are deeply concerned with the feedback we are receiving from many of our members about local authorities who are proposing to make very little increases if any to the base fee rates they pay for the care services that they commission,” said chief executive Martin Green (pictured).
“This impact, combined with other inflationary pressures has created the perfect storm, placing the care home market, home care and supported living settings in an incredibly precarious financial position,” he added.
Care England said local authorities have a legal obligation to promote the efficient and effective operation of the care markets in their localities to ensure that people have a variety of providers and services to choose from.
They must also have regard to the sustainability of the market which includes a duty to ensure adequate fee levels, it added.
The impact on providers’ costs has left many having to absorb a financial shortfall amid reduced occupancy.
"Care homes have been recognised as one of the front lines and have sadly been one the most affected despite the measures that have been put in place by both providers and central government, said Green.
“We hope that directors of adult social services will work with the sector to ensure that it can recover and be in the best position possible to provide quality care to those in need”.
