Social care expert criticises government for insufficient support to struggling sector

Janet Shreeve, the founder of South West-based Shreeve Care Services and a respected expert in the social care sector, has expressed her deep disappointment following the government’s recent Budget announcement, which she believes fails to address the urgent challenges facing the social care sector.

After much anticipation, Labour’s first Budget in 14 years was delivered on 30 October, and Janet has highlighted that, once again, the Budget fails to address the critical needs of the social care sector, which is struggling to provide essential services to vulnerable people across the country.

“This budget has been promoted as groundbreaking and far-reaching, but it falls far short of addressing the severe issues in social care,” said Janet.

“Once again, the sector has been forgotten, and those who provide care to our most vulnerable citizens, from care homes to domiciliary care providers, are left without the support they so desperately need.”

Janet is particularly frustrated by the government's failure to recognise social care as a societal responsibility, a crucial issue that impacts millions of people every day. She stressed that the lack of funding for social care has a direct impact on the NHS, exacerbating problems like bed-blocking and delayed discharges. Without proper support for social care, Janet argues, the NHS will continue to face overwhelming strain.

“The budget has ignored the reality on the ground,” Janet said. “Care providers are being asked to cover rising costs, including National Insurance hikes and the national living wage increase, while local authorities - many of which work in partnership with care providers - are unable, or unwilling, to pay for these additional expenses.”

Her concerns align with those of Dr Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association, who recently highlighted the dangerous funding gap facing the sector. Dr Townson pointed out that most councils and NHS bodies are not paying enough to cover even the existing National Minimum Wage, leaving many providers financially vulnerable. Dr. Townson described this situation as “a national scandal” and warned that increased wage costs without adequate funding “send many providers over the edge”.

As an industry expert, Janet highlighted that recruitment and retention within the social care sector are major challenges. Care work is often undervalued and viewed as low-paying, which discourages people from entering the field. This has resulted in staffing shortages, further jeopardising the quality of care provided to vulnerable individuals.

“Social care is a public interest issue. Most of us will need care at some point in our lives, and yet the government continues to neglect this vital sector,” Janet said. “Until social care receives the funding and recognition it deserves, the NHS will never be able to address the growing demands on its services.”

“Time and time again, we hear promises of change, but this disappointing budget proves that little has been done to support those who provide care on the front lines.”

Janet, who established Shreeve Care Services two years ago, offers consultancy services for both care providers and for families in navigating the complex care system. She is also an adviser to the Board of Care and Support West, which is an advocacy and representative body for companies, charities, organisations, and individuals operating within the social care, support, and health sectors in the West of England.