Third Report - Social care: funding and workforce

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.