Norfolk County Council says it wants to increase the amount of money it pays to the care sector by six per cent to ensure providers can fund the forthcoming rise in the National Living Wage.
County Hall says this means an £18m investment in the care economy and won’t mean a corresponding increase in the amount the public pays for care.
Bill Borrett, the county councillor responsible for adult social care, said: “I am very glad that the council is continuing its policy of investing in the care sector. We have 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.”
The idea just needs the backing of senior county councillors at a meeting on January 31.