Missed opportunity

The Government missed a key chance to invest in social care, help vulnerable people, and boost the economy, says the ICG - Independent Care Group. 

Despite hopes for support in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s speech, the sector was ignored once more.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “Investment in social care doesn’t just support those in need - it drives economic growth. Social care employs 1.6 million people and adds £68.1bn to the economy. With proper funding, it could do even more.”

Currently, two million people can’t access care, forcing others to leave work to step in - harming both families and the economy. The ICG urges the Government to invest £2bn to fix urgent issues, ensure fair pay for staff, and create a National Care Service to integrate NHS and social care.