'Work with us on delayed discharges', says ICG

The Independent Care Group is today calling on the Government to work with them to urgently tackle the issue of people stuck in hospital because there is no care available to them if they are discharged.

Figures show that more than 14,000 people are fit enough to be discharged from hospital but cannot leave, often because there are no social care packages available.

The ICG says this has to be tackled quickly and cannot wait until the results of the upcoming commission on social care.

ICG Chair, Mike Padgham said: “This frightening figure shows just how vital it is that we reform social care quickly, because the system is grinding to a halt.

“We have to work together to make more social care available so that there are packages available and people can be discharged from hospital and looked after where they should be – either at home or in a care or nursing home.

“In some cases that would mean tackling bureaucratic and funding logjams that get in the way when there is capacity. I can’t believe that after 30 years we are still saying the same things – it's madness.

“The social care sector has the experience, knowledge and expertise to work with the Government to find solutions and we are ready, willing and able to help.

“The Government accepts that it cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care and that the sector has been under-funded – we need to address those things now.”

He said social care reform couldn’t wait until the results of the commission into social care. The commission will report in mid-2026 then again in 2028.

“We need to move more quickly,” Mr Padgham added. “A day of action is planned for 25th February and that shows the strength of feeling in social care right now. The sector is worried. Without Government help, the combined impact of increases in the Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage could be devastating on a sector that is already on its knees. It could mean more people going without care.”

ICG backs day of action on social care

The Independent Care Group has thrown its weight behind a national day of action to call on the Government to help social care.

ICG representatives will join care providers from across the country when they converge on Westminster on 25th February.

They will be calling on the Government to review the impact the proposed increase in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and rise in the National Living Wage will have on social care.

ICG Chair, Mike Padgham urged all providers to join the day of action, which is being organised by Providers Unite, a coalition of social care representatives.

“Enough is enough – we have to make a stand and show that the country cannot go on neglecting and ignoring social care any longer,” he said.

“We have had three decades of under-finding and neglect, of broken promises and of waiting for reform that has never come.

“And that has led us to a point where 2m people cannot get the care they need to enjoy a decent quality of life.

“That is a betrayal of people who deserve better - of grand-parents, parents, husbands and wives, aunts, uncles and friends.

“We have been politely asking for reform for 30 years or more and it has never come. On the 25th of February care providers have an opportunity to stand up and speak for those who don’t have a strong voice and to demand reform.

“I urge everyone who can get down to Westminster to go and show the Government that this time social care has to change.”

The planned day of action is a demonstration of the level of concern social care providers have over the impact budget measures will have on the delivery of care. They say that without Government help, the combined impact of increases in the Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage could be devastating on a sector that is already on its knees. They fear provider closures and more people going without care.

Campaigners want the Government to review the budget measures, make social care providers exempt from the rise in National Insurance or to put more funding into the sector to help them cope with rising costs.

The day of action takes place on Tuesday, 25th February. More details: https://www.providersunite.co.uk/

ICG calls on council to rethink dementia hubs plan

The ICG is calling on North Yorkshire Council to look again at plans to create its own dementia hubs at a cost of up to £60m.

The care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group (ICG) has urged the authority to put the proposal out to tender so that others can bid to run the service.

It has also called for an independent overview of the council’s proposal.

North Yorkshire Council is considering building up to five hubs to provide residential care for up to 250 people with dementia.

The ICG has welcomed the planned additional dementia care provision but says the local authority should put the plan out to tender.

In a letter to the authority, ICG Chair Mike Padgham says: “At a time when North Yorkshire Council, like other local authorities, is under significant financial pressure, it is essential to consider whether this investment is necessary, particularly when independent care providers could deliver these hubs more efficiently. Investing in the existing independent sector would be a more effective use of resources, generating greater economic returns and reducing long-term costs across the health and social care system.

“Historically, local authorities moved away from in-house provision because commissioning from the independent sector delivered better value for the public purse. Independent providers bring existing infrastructure, economies of scale, and specialist expertise, making them best placed to deliver these services efficiently.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, added: "The independent sector is resilient, but it is facing unprecedented challenges due to the recent changes to Employers' National Insurance Contributions and the increase in the National Living Wage. These rising costs are putting immense pressure on providers, and they need support to navigate these difficult times. Rather than creating new services, the council should be focusing on supporting and investing in the independent sector it already has, helping to build capacity and improve care. Choosing to start a new service now risks sending the wrong message, suggesting a lack of confidence in the market when it is more important than ever to strengthen and sustain it."