Sector news

We know how vital it is for families to stay informed about the latest developments in the social care sector. This page highlights key government policies, sector challenges, and updates that impact working-age adults, children, and young people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

The social care landscape is facing significant pressures, and we’re here to help you navigate these changes while advocating for the best possible outcomes for the people we support.

The Growing Financial Challenges in Social Care

The Care Provider Alliance (CPA) and National Care Forum have raised urgent concerns about the devastating financial impact of recent increases in National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage. While the national living wage increase aims to improve pay for social care workers, it also places immense strain on providers already operating within tight budgets.

For providers like Affinity Trust, these changes mean significantly higher staffing costs without a corresponding increase in local authority funding rates. The CPA warns that this imbalance could lead to service reductions, closures, and growing unmet support needs, which ultimately affect access to social care.

How Affinity Trust Is Responding

We are working closely with sector coalitions and local authorities to advocate for sustainable funding to cover these rising costs. Our priority remains providing high-quality support while supporting our staff with fair pay. However, without urgent government action to address the funding gap, the entire sector faces significant challenges in maintaining access to high-quality, person-centred support.

Speak Up for Social Care: How to Engage Your MP

Every day, families experience the impact of underfunding: stretched support services, overworked staff, and loved ones not getting the access they deserve. But we can make a difference—together.

One of the most powerful ways to drive change is by sharing your story with your Member of Parliament (MP). MPs are there to represent you, and personal experiences are hard to ignore. Here’s how you can make your voice heard and advocate for better funding for adult social care.

1. Know Your MP

Visit TheyWorkForYou to find out who your MP is and how to contact them. This tool makes it easy to locate their email addresses, social media accounts, and even upcoming surgeries (in-person meetings).

2. Tell Your Story

MPs are more likely to act when they hear real, personal experiences. Write a short letter or email explaining:

  • Who you are and your connection to adult social care.
  • The impact underfunding has had on your family or community.
  • Why urgent action is needed.

Example:
"My sister, Sarah, has a learning disability and lives in supported accommodation. The incredible staff help her lead an independent life, but cuts have meant fewer hours of support, leaving her isolated. Without proper funding, her quality of life is at risk. This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about dignity."

3. Ask for Action

Be clear about what you want your MP to do. For example:

  • Raise the issue in Parliament.
  • Support or propose new legislation for increased funding.
  • Meet with families and providers in your area.

4. Use Social Media

MPs are often active on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Share your story publicly and tag your MP. Use hashtags like #CareCantWait and #SocialCareCrisis to amplify your voice and connect with others.

When families speak up, they remind MPs that adult social care is not just a line on a budget—it’s about people, relationships, and the values we hold as a society. By taking action, you’re not just advocating for your loved ones—you’re fighting for a fairer, more compassionate system for everyone.

If you need information or support to engage with your MP, please email Sarah Wight at sarahwight@affinitytrust.org.

Supporting Unpaid Carers: Updates from the Autumn Budget

Unpaid carers play an essential role in supporting loved ones, and the recent Autumn Budget 2024 introduced important changes to help alleviate some of the pressures they face. These measures aim to offer more financial stability and flexibility for carers across the UK.

Key Announcements

  1. 1. Increase in Earnings Limit for Carer’s Allowance From April 2025, the weekly earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance will increase from £151 to £196. This means carers can earn up to £10,192 annually without losing their allowance. The increase is the largest in the history of Carer’s Allowance, allowing carers to work up to 16 hours per week at the National Living Wage while maintaining their benefits.
  2. 2. Extension of the Household Support Fund The government will extend the Household Support Fund into 2025-26. This fund provides crucial financial assistance to lower-income families, including unpaid carers, helping them manage essential costs during challenging times.

What This Means for Families

These updates reflect the government’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by unpaid carers. By increasing the earnings threshold and extending financial support, carers will have greater opportunities to balance their caring responsibilities with work while also receiving additional help to manage living costs.

Update on the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)

The Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS), designed to replace the current Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), have been delayed. This new system is intended to provide better protection for people who lack the capacity to make certain decisions and may need their liberty restricted to keep them safe.

What Are the Liberty Protection Safeguards?

The LPS were introduced in 2019 through the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act. They aim to:

  • Simplify the process of authorising restrictions on someone's liberty.
  • Apply protections to individuals aged 16 and above in care homes, hospitals, and even their own homes.
  • Address long-standing issues with the DoLS system, such as delays and a backlog of cases.

Why the Delay?

The UK Government announced in 2023 that the implementation of the LPS would be postponed beyond the next general election, expected in 2025. The delay is due to "resource pressures" and other priorities in adult social care.

While the LPS are on hold, the existing DoLS framework will remain in place for the foreseeable future. This decision has raised concerns among families and advocacy groups about individuals potentially being left without adequate legal protections.

What This Means for Families

For now:

  • Providers must continue following the DoLS process to safeguard people’s rights.
  • If you have concerns about restrictions on your loved one's liberty, you can still raise them through the DoLS system.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care has committed to sharing updates on the progress of the LPS, but no timeline has been confirmed.

What Can You Do?

If your loved one is affected by DoLS:

  • Speak with us about how their rights are being protected.
  • Stay informed about updates to the LPS system.
  • Contact your local authority if you have questions or need support.

We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, but we are here to help you navigate the current system and keep you updated as more information becomes available. If you’d like advice or have concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch.