News

Care England Response to Public Satisfaction with Social Care Hitting Record Low
Care England warns that the alarming drop in public satisfaction is a direct consequence of the deepening crisis in social care, one that the Government has failed to address. New findings from the British Social Attitudes survey, released by the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund, reveal that public satisfaction with social care has plummeted to just 13%, the lowest since records began.

Providers Running to Stand Still: New Skills for Care Data Shows that 58% of care workers are currently paid below the National Living Wage
Care England, has issued an urgent call to action regarding the financial challenges facing the adult social care sector outlined in the latest Skills for Care Report. Today, it has been revealed that 58% of care workers are currently paid below the upcoming National Living Wage (NLW), highlighting the financial strain providers will face as they increase staff pay to keep up with the change, as well as try to compete with other sectors, and offer pay progression for senior workers.

Dr Arun Chopra appointed as CQC’s first Chief Inspector of Mental Health
Dr Arun Chopra has been appointed as the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) first Chief Inspector of Mental Health. Arun was previously Medical Director of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (2020-2024) and is one of the most recent recipients of the President’s Medal, awarded annually by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to individuals who have made a significant contribution towards improving the lives of people with mental illness. He recently returned to frontline clinical work as a Consultant Inpatient Psychiatrist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

Care England Warns House of Commons Vote Deals Devastating Blow to Social Care Sector
Care England, has condemned the House of Commons’ failure to support amendments that would have exempted care providers from the damaging rise in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (ENICs).

NCF responds to controversial passing of the National Insurance Contributions Bill
In response to the House of Commons voting against amendments to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill which would have exempted adult social care providers from the increase in employer’s National Insurance Contributions, Liz Jones, NCF Policy Director, said:

The Care Workforce Crisis: Why Values-Based Recruitment is the key to transforming the sector
The adult social care sector in the UK is at breaking point. A workforce crisis has left providers struggling to fill vacancies, with Skills for Care reporting an 8.3% vacancy rate (131,000 vacant posts) in 2024.

Care England Responds to The King’s Fund Report on Social Care ‘Doom Loop’
Care England,, has issued a stark warning in response to The King’s Fund’s latest Social Care 360 report, which highlights a ‘doom loop’ in social care, where rising costs and insufficient funding are forcing providers to reduce the number of people receiving care, despite soaring demand. The report underscores the growing financial strain on care providers, driven largely by increases in the National Living Wage (NLW) and employer costs. Care England warns that without urgent government intervention, the sector risks further contraction, leaving thousands without the care they need.
Jumping through hoops: older people could have to answer 450 questions to receive financial support
An older person applying for financial support through four main entitlements could have to answer 450 questions as part of a long and complex application process. according to new research from national charity Independent Age. This could take up to four hours with the help of a trained adviser, and even longer if a person is attempting the process without support from a professional. These entitlements include Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

Skills for Care launches ‘Managing your service’ campaign to support care managers and leaders
Throughout March, Skills for Care is running its latest campaign, ‘Managing your service,’ aimed at empowering care leaders and managers with the tools, guidance, and insights necessary to run their services more effectively. Whether you are a registered manager, nominated individual, or director of a care organisation, this campaign will provide resources to help you navigate the complexities of leadership, compliance, and daily operations.

Can AI robots help to care for the elderly in the UK
AI-powered robots have the potential to play a transformative role in caring for the elderly in the UK, addressing critical challenges such as an aging population, a shortage of caregivers, and the increasing demand for elderly care services. By assisting with both physical and emotional needs, these robots can enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals while also supporting caregivers and healthcare systems. Below is an expanded explanation of how AI robots can contribute:

New landmark report on the worrying increase in social care pension opt-out rates amid growing workforce concerns
Care England, the leading voice for adult social care providers, and business insurance broker Caunce O’Hara Insurance Brokers Ltd (COHIBL) have today launched a new report highlighting the alarming rate of pension opt-outs in the care sector and the urgent further need for action to safeguard the financial future of care workers.

Secretary of State announces preferred candidate for Chair of CQC
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, has named Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE as his preferred candidate for next Chair of CQC.

Low Pay Commission Report Exposes Social Care Workforce Crisis
Care England, the leading voice for adult social care in England, has responded to the Low Pay Commission’s Report on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) 2024, warning that without urgent government intervention, the sector faces an escalating financial crisis that threatens its survival.

ICG Chair's final rallying call to support Day of Action
Independent Care Group Chair Mike Padgham has issued a final rallying call to everyone to get behind next week’s day of action.

Report recommends EO solution to looming ‘care capacity and quality crisis’
Care England and eoa publish recommendations as demographic shift and difficult conditions see sector predict 29% provider exit in adult social care UK: The time is now to explore employee ownership (EO) succession to help retain employees and capacity in the care sector, asserts a White Paper published by Care England supported by the eoa.

Mills & Reeve has acted for Cygnet Health Care in a judicial review against the Care Quality Commission, the regulator of health and social care in England.
Mills & Reeve has acted for Cygnet Health Care in a judicial review against the Care Quality Commission, the regulator of health and social care in England. Cygnet is a leading provider of mental health services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.

The King’s Fund responds to the announcement of the Public Health Grant allocations in England
Commenting on the announcement of the government’s Public Health Grant allocations 2025/26, David Buck, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, said: ‘The £3.9 billion public health grant for 2025/26 represents a welcome, real terms increase on the previous year. We are yet to see government announce the separate budgets for council drug and alcohol services, so it is hard to say whether there will be an overall increase in council public health budgets, but today’s announcement is a positive sign.

What are the latest developments in curing Alzheimer's disease in the UK
UK advances Alzheimer's research with new treatments like Lecanemab, blood biomarkers, and prevention strategies. Focus on early detection, lifestyle changes, and global collaboration. #Alzheimers #UKResearch

CQC Faces Criticism Over Reactive Approach and Systemic Failings
CQC Faces Criticism Over Reactive Approach and Systemic Failings" The Care Quality Commission (CQC), England’s health and social care regulator, is under fire for being reactive, inconsistent, and slow to act.

Fee Hikes and Workforce Shortages: Care England Sounds Alarm Over Social Care Crisis
Care England, the leading voice of adult social care providers in England, has raised serious concerns over the Home Office’s proposed fee increase for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), warning it will exacerbate the intense financial pressures already crippling the sector.