The latest budget announcement leaves the adult specialist care sector with serious concerns. The NHS was allocated an additional £21 billion.  Social care in comparison received £600 million, which equates to just 1.5% of what councils have budgeted to spend on adult and children’s social care in 2024/25.   

The budget will impact social care provider costs by around £3 billion so it is clear that the £600 million outlined in the budget will fall significantly short of what is required.  

Operational staffing costs across the sector are set to increase by around 10% from April 2025 – an increase unsustainable for a sector that is already grappling with underfunding and staff shortages.  Without meaningful financial support, specialist care providers could struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals, ultimately affecting the quality and consistency of care for the people supported. 

As with other sector providers, ivolve welcomes the planned increase in the National Living Wage which reflects the importance of fair pay in care work. However, changes to National Insurance rates and thresholds will add significant additional costs for providers, with the budget offering very little support to cover such costs.   

Care England, which represents care providers, expressed its disappointment, stating that the Government budget, “ignores the critical pressures facing the adult social care sector.”  The reality is, without additional funding and prioritisation, vulnerable adults across the social care sector will feel the impact the most. 

 A Call to Prioritise Social Care  

This shortfall is not just financial, but a critical oversight in prioritising adults with complex needs. At ivolve, we work tirelessly to maintain high standards and improve quality of life for the people we support, but sustaining this requires real Government investment. For the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable adults, now is the time for our sector to become a priority.