Independent Care Group Welcomes Government’s Social Care Funding Pledge but Urges Swift Action

The Independent Care Group (ICG) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to allocate additional funding for social care but is calling for urgent action to ensure the support reaches providers and those who rely on these vital services.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham emphasised the critical interdependence between social care and the NHS, stressing that delays in delivering financial support could push more care providers into financial distress.

“While we acknowledge the Government’s pledge to increase funding for social care, we must see this translated into real, immediate support,” said Mike Padgham. “The sustainability of social care services is at risk, and without swift action, more providers may be forced to close, leaving vulnerable people without the care they desperately need.”

The ICG also welcomes the comments made by Wes Streeting on the BBC Panorama programme, highlighting the urgent need for reform in social care. His recognition of the challenges facing the sector further underscores the necessity for immediate government action to deliver the promised funding.

The ICG also welcomed the decision to abolish NHS England as a step towards reducing bureaucracy within the health and care system. However, we believe further action is needed to streamline processes within social care, particularly in reducing red tape in Local Authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy will help ensure that funding reaches frontline services more efficiently and that care providers can focus on delivering high-quality care rather than navigating excessive administrative burdens.

Sir Andrew Dilnot has also criticised the Government’s approach, calling it “bonkers” to reform the NHS without simultaneously reforming social care. He rightly points out that the two systems are interdependent, and any meaningful reform must be addressed together to be truly effective.