Disability advocacy groups are calling on the government to boost funding for adult social care and raise the pay for care workers to improve the hiring and retention of staff. This plea follows the release of the King’s Fund’s Social Care 360 report, which shows a record two million requests for adult social care, with a growing gap between those seeking help and those receiving it.

The report outlines the increasing costs for local authorities in providing care, with notable hikes in weekly fees for adult care and hourly rates for home care services. Despite a slight reduction in vacancy rates, primarily due to the recruitment of overseas workers, proposed restrictions on overseas workers could exacerbate staff shortages.

The King’s Fund emphasises the urgent need for government action to address the sector's challenges, including better funding and support for care providers to hire and train staff. Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft (a learning disability charity), echoed these concerns, highlighting the sector’s high vacancy rates and the financial struggles faced by care providers due to insufficient funding and lack of government action.

Veevers advocates for a long-term funding plan that includes adequate compensation for care workers, reflecting the significance of their work. He urges the government and its successors to prioritise investment in the social care sector to alleviate the burden on providers and ensure individuals requiring care receive the necessary support.