The Isle of Wight Care Partnership (IWCP) has secured an increase in council fee funding for residential, nursing, and home care for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The IWCP successfully negotiated an increase of 8.2 per cent for residential and nursing care and 8.27 per cent for home care, up from the council’s initial offer.
Reduction in quality and availability of care provision
However, the agreed funding uplift does not bring providers closer to the Fair Cost of Care figure, which was ascertained in a central government-mandated process last year.
Ian Bennett from Isle of Wight Care Partnership says,
“The insufficient funding for social care has led to a reduction in the quality and availability of care provision, which has a knock-on effect on the NHS.”
Advocating for the Fair Cost of Care
The IWCP continues to advocate for the Fair Cost of Care to ensure a sustainable care sector.
The IWCP has met with Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, to discuss these issues and is calling for a working group to be set up with the local authority to plan a move towards the Fair Cost of Care.
Bennett: Adequate support is crucial
Mr Bennett added,
“It is crucial that the local care sector receives adequate support to continue providing essential services to the community.”
What is the IWCP?
The IWCP was set up to represent the interests of independent social care providers on the Isle of Wight and works to improve the quality of provision on the Island by sharing best practices and working together.
