13 million extra hours of home care for vulnerable

Vulnerable people across England received almost 13 million extra hours of home visits from social care workers last year, new statistics show.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, alongside the Department of Health and Social Care, say that the funding provided in 2018 to 2019 through the Improved Better Care Fund has also helped to support the social care market by enabling councils to increase the fees paid to social care providers by more than four per cent.

The Improved Better Care Fund works to connect the NHS and local council care services so people can manage their own health and well-being and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The funding forms part of an additional £2 billion for councils to deliver adult social care from 2017 to 2020, announced at Spring Budget 2017.

Luke Hall, Local Government Minister, said: “Councils are on the frontline caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we are determined to continue supporting them in this vital work. We have listened to their feedback and I am delighted our funding has provided almost 13 million extra hours of care at home, improving people’s quality of life and giving them greater independence.”

Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Care, added: “We are determined to ensure people are able to access good quality, compassionate care by better joining up councils and health services. The Improved Better Care Fund has had a huge impact on local communities ensuring more of our most vulnerable in society are getting the help and support they need to stay living at home for longer and ensuring the local care market stays sustainable.”