Council proposes £18m in above inflation rise in payments to care sector

The highest uplift in County Council fees paid to the care sector in five years is set to get the go ahead at Norfolk's Cabinet meeting next week.

The uplift would see prices paid by the County Council for social care increase by 6%, in an above inflation rise.

Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "I am very glad that the Council is continuing its policy of investing in the Care Sector, we've seen unprecedented demand over the past year, and an incredible response from everyone working in care. They're facing huge challenges, and this latest uplift sends a powerful message that they will not be alone. By recommending an above inflation increase, we are proposing not just to help providers deal with rising costs but to continue to put more money into the care sector in real terms.

"We still need greater long-term certainty from the Government, and a clear, multi-year financial settlement for the Care Sector, the Leader of the Council and I are continuing to press Ministers for a greater share of their recently announced reform of Social Care. While we wait for further details from the Government, we will continue to support our care market and care providers, ensuring everyone in Norfolk receives the right care in the right place."

If backed by next week's Cabinet meeting, the decision would represent an £18m investment in the Norfolk care economy. These funds would also allow care providers to meet the rise in the National Living Wage due in April 2022, without asking them to fund that rise from other areas of their budgets.

The 6% uplift would apply to fees paid by Norfolk County Council for care service commissioned in Norfolk. (It does not mean there will be an uplift in fees charged to third parties, including privately funded care).

The proposals will be considered by Norfolk County Council's Cabinet meeting at 10am on Monday 31 January. Papers and livestream link for the meeting are available online.