Care England, the leading representative body for independent
adult social care providers, has condemned the House of Commons'
failure to support amendments that would have exempted care
providers from the damaging rise in Employers' National Insurance
Contributions (ENICs).
Despite widespread warnings from across the sector, MPs rejected
a critical opportunity to protect care services from financial
collapse. As a result, care providers will now be forced to
absorb these unsustainable costs, placing the future of vital
care services at severe risk.
This vote was not a free choice for MPs, as Labour's whips
ensured they toed the party line, leaving little room for
dissent. Unable to vote with their conscience, many instead voted
either with their feet, or by abstaining, refusing to stand by as
the government pushed ahead with yet another devastating blow to
social care. This deliberate suppression of debate has denied the
sector the urgent support it so desperately needs.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England,
said:
"Today, we bear witness to a devastating blow that seals the
fate of thousands of care providers across our nation. In a
callous act of indifference, the government has dismantled the
core principles and ethos of the Care Act, abandoning millions
who depend on vital support. This is indeed a dark day for
community-based care, not only a ruthless assault on those we
protect and employ, but on the very fabric of our
democracy.”
Prior to the vote, Care England urged MPs to recognise the dire
consequences of the ENICs increase. The figures were stark:
- 72% of providers say their business will become unviable
within the next year.
- 64% will be forced to make staff redundant, exacerbating the
workforce crisis.
- 73% will refuse new care packages from local authorities or
the NHS, leaving people without the care they need.
- 22% of providers plan to close their services entirely.
These warnings have now been ignored. The decision will have
far-reaching consequences; not only for those who require care
but for the NHS, which is already struggling under the weight of
delayed discharges and overwhelmed hospitals.
Care England is urging the government to reconsider its position
and introduce a targeted relief package to protect social care
providers from financial collapse. We call for:
-
The Treasury to urgently revisit the
financial support options Care England has presented, ensuring
care providers receive the necessary funding to remain viable.
-
Local authorities and Integrated Care
Boards to commit to sustainable fee rates that
reflect the true cost of care, factoring in these additional
financial pressures, and to confirm these rates in a timely
manner to provide certainty for providers.
-
MPs to push for an urgent debate on a
long-term funding solution for social care - one that addresses
workforce shortages, inflationary pressures, and the growing
demand for complex care - and to ensure the Spring Budget
includes provisions that mitigate the impact of these changes.
Care England will continue to press the government for action and
is asking care providers, families, and sector partners to
contact their local MPs to highlight the devastating impact of
this decision.
