Swindon Joins National Day of Action Over Social Care Funding

Providers Unite organized a protest for February 25. Over 3,000 people will likely show up. These are care providers, carers, and also service users. People from Swindon will attend, including carers and family and care recipients.

The protest aims to show financial pressure on care. Providers Unite is a care provider alliance that challenges social care funding shortfalls. The group represents carers, care groups, and care users. They want fair funding, better workforce support, and lasting policies for social care’s future.

This action supports local areas and care systems lacking funds for rising costs, including National Insurance and other expenses. Providers struggle to absorb financial problems, placing essential care services at risk across the UK.

Many providers are rethinking their contracts. Some must return them to councils, threatening the collapse of care services soon. Vulnerable people could lack needed care, and reduced community care delays hospital discharges, straining the NHS even further.

Geraldine Smith spoke about the best support for care recipients, warning that services will fall without action. She said they march because they care for the people, the staff, and the future of social care.

Stephen Trowbridge said if care struggles, families, local authorities, and the NHS will also struggle. He urges the government to act now to secure social care’s future.

Swindon will host a local event for those unable to go to London. This event acknowledges social care workers’ crucial work and highlights the sector’s financial challenges. Contact First City for information; ask for Kay Chandler, 01793 434222.

Adult social care supports millions of people and employs 1.6 million UK professionals. Social care offers £68.1 billion to the economy, enabling families to remain employed and avoid needing state benefits.

The sector needs billions this year to rise costs and support others on waiting lists. Many care sites face financial issues, leading to closures and service reductions.

National changes will cost the sector billions. The government offered some funds, but it is not enough. Local areas need much more money too.

A survey shows many plan to close soon, refuse new referrals, and hand contracts back by next year. Service failures are a major threat, and urgent action must happen.