Yesterday I was OOO attending the Care and Support South West Conference, in Bristol

There were excellent presentations from Care England, CQC, Integrated Care board, the Homecare Association, Bristol City Council and RWK Goodman, sparking lively debates and round tables. Working with both Local Authority and Care, it was insightful to hear the perspective from both sides of the fence and I was encouraged to see empathy and humanity shining through despite the crippling lack of funding this industry endures. There was a sense of strength, fight and integrity. As a result of aggressive campaigning, some battles have been won, as described by Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association and there are some positive changes in motion. There is still a long way to go and many more taxing hurdles to overcome and the battle at a local level will require a united front between LAs and Care providers to help escalate issues nationally.

Common themes included Workforce issues (13.5% vacancy rate) and the need to elevate ‘Care’ as a career, not just a job; a career offering progression, respect, longevity and fair pay, more in line with NHS roles. Another theme was the inequality of budget distribution; I was shocked to learn that the c. £40Billion promised over the next three years less than 5% will be going to Care with NHS receiving the lion’s share. 25% of adults are classed as having a disability. The demand for care services versus hospital care is c. 140: 1 with ongoing care required often over very protracted periods. The pandemic has exacerbated demand, leading to more complex behaviour cases and mental health needs as well as the challenges of long Covid.

In good news, positive noises were made about the more joined-up approach between health and social care services that the pandemic has necessitated and this has paved the way for the Integrated Care Services which will go live next month, with CCGs being absorbed into Integrated Care Boards, or ICBs. Hopefully, this will help democratise decision-making.

‘Fair Cost of Care’ was a hot topic. How is it possible to give a truly representative figure for ’21 and ’22 and beyond, as costs continue to skyrocket? Accurate figures will be crucial leverage to demand a realistic budget, salary and rate.

It was a pleasure meeting such interesting and passionate people from a variety of roles within the care and support sector and I gained invaluable insight into the challenges faced over the past two years, the lessons learnt, positives as well as frustrations. The financial pressure on Care was the most prevalent theme of yesterday’s meeting and speaking with delegates I was happy to share that S3TAX specialise in tax efficiency advice for this industry.

For a free 30-minute meeting to discuss any ideas on how to make your care group more tax efficient please get in touch with us.