Isle of Wight care providers are warning that vital home care services are at risk unless urgent action is taken to address a funding gap linked to the upcoming National Minimum Wage increase on 1st April.
With the minimum wage set to rise, providers say they face rising payroll costs without the matching uplift in personal care budgets for service users on Direct Payment Personal Budgets (DPPBs).
Budget uplift not automatic for all
While those receiving care from council-contracted providers will see their personal budgets increase automatically, users managing their own care through DPPBs must actively request the uplift.
This process, care providers say, is poorly understood by many families. As a result, some home care services risk becoming financially unsustainable just as costs increase.
How to request the uplift
Councillor Jock Rafferty, Cowes Town Council, is urging families to act now to avoid disruption to care.
To request the 6% budget uplift announced in the Council’s latest Fee Review, service users should:
- Call the Isle of Wight Council’s Direct Payment Team on 01983 823340 (option 2, then option 3).
- Say that the new home care rates for 2025/26 have been published and request the uplift from 1st April.
- If transferred to a social worker, state:
“I am not requesting a care needs review, only that the 6% uplift announced in the Fee Review is applied to my personal budget from April 1st, as advised by the Strategic Director for Adult Social Care and Housing in response to a question from Councillor Richard Quigley.” - Note that this request must come from the service user—not the care provider.
Councillors raise concerns over inequity
Councillor Rafferty says the current system is unfair and is putting care at risk. He said,
“Care providers who support service users on Direct Payment Personal Budgets are left in limbo, while those working with council-contracted services receive their uplifts automatically. This isn’t just an administrative issue—it has real consequences for vulnerable people and the providers they rely on.”
Councillor Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, challenged the Isle of Wight council on this issue during a recent budget meeting, pointing to a clear disparity in how uplifts are applied.
Survey seeks input from affected providers
To build a stronger case for change, Cllr Rafferty has launched an online survey to gather feedback from providers and families affected by the funding delay.
Councillor Rafferty said,
“We need to hear from providers and service users to demonstrate the scale of the problem.
“This is not a small issue—it affects the financial sustainability of care services on the Island. The more evidence we can gather, the stronger our case will be.”
Those seeking more information or wishing to raise concerns can contact:
Cllr Jock Rafferty, Cowes Town Council
