Social care: funding and workforce

Health and Social Care Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 10 Mar 2020 Closed: 26 Oct 2021 Parliament page
The reopened Social care: funding and workforce inquiry seeks to establish how much extra money would need to be spent by government in each of the next five years to counteract the impact of a shortage of care on the NHS. Shortages in the social care workforce and what solutions … Read more
20 Recommendations
1 Conclusion
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
2 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
17 Feb
2021
Report published
17 Feb
2021
Correspondence
10 Nov
2020
Correspondence
22 Oct
2020
Report published
8 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
14 Jul
2020
Oral evidence
23 Jun
2020
Oral evidence
9 Jun
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
8 Sep 2020
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James Bullion · Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Rt Hon Matt Hancock · Department of Health and Social Care Sarah Pickup · Local Government Association
14 Jul 2020
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Deborah Gray, care user Kevin Caulfield · Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council Pamela King, former carer Sir Andrew Dilnot · Commission on Funding of Care and Support The Rt Hon. the Lord Forsyth of Drumlean · Economic Affairs Select Committee (HL) Yasuhisa Shiozaki, former Minister for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
23 Jun 2020
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Jane Townson · UK Homecare Association Marlene Kelly · Auburn Mere Care Home Mel Cairnduff · Agincare Oonagh Smyth · Skills for Care Professor Martin Green · Care England Raina Summerson · Agincare Sue Ann Balcombe · Priscilla Wakefield House Nursing Home
9 Jun 2020
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Social care: funding and workforce
Anita Charlesworth · Health Foundation Anna Severwright Daphne Havercroft, former carer and attorney for a social care user George Stoye · Institute for Fiscal Studies Paul Little · Suffolk County Council & East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust Professor Tine Rosgaard, Roskilde University, Denmark
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - Social care: funding and workforce HC 206 22 Oct 2020 21 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
21 results
1 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The case for making a sustained investment in social care has never been stronger– the...
The case for making a sustained investment in social care has never been stronger– the toll the pandemic has taken on this sector means that social care is no longer a hidden problem, but one that the country as a … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the urgency for sustained investment, announcing over £1 billion of additional funding for social care in FY 21/22, alongside over £3 billion in additional support for councils to manage COVID-19 impacts. It states it will keep the need for further funding under review.
Department of Health and Social Care
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2 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
It is clear from the evidence we have heard that funding shortfalls are having a...
It is clear from the evidence we have heard that funding shortfalls are having a serious negative impact on the lives of those who use the social care system, as well impacting the pay levels of the workforce and threatening … Read more
Government Response
The government has accepted this recommendation by committing over £1 billion of additional funding for social care in FY 21/22, alongside over £3 billion in additional support for COVID-19 impacts for local authorities.
Department of Health and Social Care
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3 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The crisis in social care funding has been brought into sharp focus by the COVID-19...
The crisis in social care funding has been brought into sharp focus by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this must now be addressed by Government as a matter of the utmost urgency. The funding increase we are calling for is significant … Read more
Government Response
The government refers the committee to another section of its report for details of existing social care funding provided during the pandemic and at the 2020 Spending Review.
Department of Health and Social Care
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4 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
We believe the starting point must be an increase in annual funding of £3.9 bn...
We believe the starting point must be an increase in annual funding of £3.9 bn by 2023–24 to meet demographic changes and planned increases in the National Living Wage. However such an increase alone will not address shortfalls in the … Read more
Government Response
The government references current funding levels and additional COVID-19 funding, stating a commitment to a sustainable social care system and improving quality, but does not commit to the specific £3.9bn funding increase recommended by the committee.
Department of Health and Social Care
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5 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
Alongside such a long term funding settlement we strongly believe the government should publish a...
Alongside such a long term funding settlement we strongly believe the government should publish a 10 year plan for the social care sector as it has done for the NHS. The two systems are increasingly linked and it makes no … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the long-term challenges in social care but states its current priority is the COVID-19 pandemic. It commits to bringing forward proposals for sustainable improvement in 2021, but does not agree to publish a specific 10-year plan for the social care sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
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6 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
It is vital that the supply of PPE to social care providers is protected in...
It is vital that the supply of PPE to social care providers is protected in the event of any future surges of coronavirus so that providers can be confident in their access to PPE. (Paragraph 43) Social care: funding and workforce 35
Government Response
The government states it has already ensured an emergency supply of PPE is in place, extended free provision for social care until June 2021, developed emergency access routes, and is focused on building a resilient future supply.
Department of Health and Social Care
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7 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The Government must ensure that standards for weekly testing for care home staff are maintained...
The Government must ensure that standards for weekly testing for care home staff are maintained including rapid turnaround times and that regular data is published on the number of tests delivered to social care staff and residents. In addition, the … Read more
Government Response
The government details its existing extensive testing strategy for care homes, including asymptomatic staff and residents, and states it provides regular asymptomatic testing for CQC inspectors. It notes that care home visiting policy will be reviewed when the national lockdown ends.
Department of Health and Social Care
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8 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
Improving the level of recognition afforded to social care workers must be a key focus...
Improving the level of recognition afforded to social care workers must be a key focus for the Government to safeguard the future of the social care workforce. Not to do so would be to fail the many thousands of care … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of increasing recognition for social care workers, detailing ongoing initiatives such as the appointment of a Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care and the continued development and distribution of over 1 million CARE badges.
Department of Health and Social Care
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9 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
We welcome the Government’s commitment to bringing forward a long-term solution to low pay in...
We welcome the Government’s commitment to bringing forward a long-term solution to low pay in social care. It is essential that this solution provides a sustainable basis for continued rises in pay above and beyond increases to the National Minimum … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for a sustainable social care model and fair pay but highlights that providers set pay and local authorities determine rates. It does not commit to specific pay rises above minimum wage or in line with NHS staff, stating it will consider all options for the sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
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10 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The Government must use the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure that there is a sustainable...
The Government must use the forthcoming Spending Review to ensure that there is a sustainable funding settlement to provide for competitive pay for social care workers which ensures parity with NHS staff and is reflective of the skilled nature of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for a sustainable social care model and fair pay but highlights that providers set pay and local authorities determine rates. It does not commit to using the Spending Review for a settlement ensuring competitive pay or parity with NHS staff, stating it will consider all options for the sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
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11 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
Inadequate employment conditions undermine the sustainability of the social care workforce and have been brought...
Inadequate employment conditions undermine the sustainability of the social care workforce and have been brought into sharp relief by the coronavirus pandemic. As well as addressing issues of pay within the social care sector, we recommend that the Government bring … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of a sustainable social care model and commits to considering all options for improvement but does not offer specific proposals to reduce zero-hours contracts or improve sick pay provision. It notes that pay is primarily set by private providers and local authorities, and states that discussions with Devolved Administrations have occurred on various workforce topics.
Department of Health and Social Care
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12 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The Secretary of State has committed to increasing the alignment between the training of NHS...
The Secretary of State has committed to increasing the alignment between the training of NHS and social care staff and his stated ambition being to make it easier for a registered nurse, for example, to move between the NHS and … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the vital need for clear career paths and training, highlighting existing £27 million funding for programmes and a new Chief Nurse role, and committing to explore how to develop clearer pathways and common training standards for greater health and care integration.
Department of Health and Social Care
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
As part of its long-term proposals for the future of social care, we recommend that...
As part of its long-term proposals for the future of social care, we recommend that the Government work with Skills for Care and the social care sector to bring forward a plan to streamline the training of social care workers … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of reforming social care workforce training and recognition, pointing to the appointment of a Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care and the "CARE" brand/badges. However, it does not commit to working with Skills for Care for a specific plan to streamline training, improve career progression, align with NHS training, or expand the workforce development fund.
Department of Health and Social Care
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14 Recommendation Rejected
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The Government must ensure that transitional arrangements are in place to ensure that social care...
The Government must ensure that transitional arrangements are in place to ensure that social care workers can continue to be recruited from overseas for as long as it takes to build sufficient resilience in the domestic supply of social care … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation for transitional arrangements to recruit social care workers from overseas, stating that immigration should not be the solution to recruitment challenges. Instead, it expresses confidence in domestic recruitment, detailing initiatives like the Join Social Care tool and free rapid induction training, and recognizes the need to address wider workforce issues.
Department of Health and Social Care
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15 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
We are concerned that lower qualified social care workers and those without qualifications at all...
We are concerned that lower qualified social care workers and those without qualifications at all are not eligible for the new NHS visa, not least because it undermines parity of esteem between the health and social care sectors. The Government … Read more
Government Response
The government is reviewing the eligible occupation list, which *may* include senior social care workers, but states immigration is not the solution for less senior roles, committing to independent research on the impact of new immigration rules.
Department of Health and Social Care
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16 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The current system is unfair, confusing, demeaning, and frightening for the most vulnerable people in...
The current system is unfair, confusing, demeaning, and frightening for the most vulnerable people in our society, and their families. It is therefore essential that the Government tackle the problems in the care sector as a priority. The success of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the urgency of social care reform and its commitment to sustainable improvement, stating it will bring forward proposals in 2021 while prioritising market stabilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Department of Health and Social Care
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17 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The Lords Economic Affairs Committee’s report makes a persuasive case for the introduction of free...
The Lords Economic Affairs Committee’s report makes a persuasive case for the introduction of free personal care. This would cost around £5bn per year, which is only a small fraction of what is currently spent on NHS care. It would … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the long-term challenges to the social care system and its commitment to sustainable improvement. However, it defers a decision on the introduction of free personal care, stating its current priority is stabilizing the market during the pandemic and that proposals for the social care system will be brought forward in 2021.
Department of Health and Social Care
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18 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
We also strongly endorse a lifetime cap on care costs which could be implemented swiftly...
We also strongly endorse a lifetime cap on care costs which could be implemented swiftly under the provisions of the Care Act 2014. Such a change would focuses resources on the most severely affected people, protecting those with very high … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the long-term challenges in social care and its commitment to sustainable improvement. However, it prioritises current COVID-19 response and market stabilisation, deferring specific proposals, including a lifetime cap on care costs, to be brought forward in 2021.
Department of Health and Social Care
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19 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences both for vulnerable people using social care, and...
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences both for vulnerable people using social care, and for the committed professional workforce that provide that care. These challenges have been exacerbated by long-standing funding and workforce issues which need to be recognised … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its priority was stabilizing adult social care during the pandemic through a one-year spending review, and committed to bringing forward sustainable improvement proposals in 2021, implicitly deferring the specific timeline requested.
Department of Health and Social Care
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20 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
We believe that the starting point for the social care funding increase must be an...
We believe that the starting point for the social care funding increase must be an additional £7bn per year by 2023–24 to cover demographic changes, uplift staff pay in line with the National Minimum Wage and to protect people who … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the long-term challenges in social care but does not commit to the recommended additional £7 billion per year by 2023-24. Instead, it prioritizes stabilizing the market during the pandemic through the one-year 2020 Spending Review and states it will bring forward further proposals for sustainable improvement in 2021.
Department of Health and Social Care
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21 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Social care: fundin…
But we are clear that this is only a starting point.
But we are clear that this is only a starting point. It will not provide any improvement in access to care, which is urgently needed and would be improved through introducing free personal care as recommended by previous select committee … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its current priority is stabilizing adult social care during the pandemic and committed to bringing forward proposals for sustainable improvement in 2021, but did not specifically address the re-endorsed recommendation for free personal care or the estimated higher funding costs.
Department of Health and Social Care
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Government Response AI assessment · 21 of 20 classified
Accepted 5
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 5
Deferred 7
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 1
Total 20 recs + 1 conclusion
Correspondence 2 letters
17 Feb 2021 From committee Letter to the Minister of State for Care on Social care: funding and workforce
Parliament page
10 Nov 2020 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on SignHealth
Parliament page