Jul 2025 · Bridgehead Social Care · Policy Roundtable
Searching for a solution to
England's social care
emergency
A roundtable discussion with Rt Hon Ed Argar MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care — bringing together leading residential and homecare providers, regional care association chairs, and sector advocates for a frank conversation about funding, representation, innovation, and the workforce crisis facing adult social care in England.
£4bn
Spring Statement 2028/29 figure (contested)
75%
of NI cost rise from lowered income threshold
158k→31k
care visa applications, 2023 to 2024
Funding & Costs
“My worry is that, again, it's more money into the NHS without fixing the other end of the problem.”
— Rt Hon Ed Argar MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Spring Statement — which announced an additional £4 billion available to the sector in 2028/29 — was on attendees' lips, but many felt social care had been overlooked. The basis of that figure on assumed council tax rises was contested: "There are numerous local authorities that have said they're not going to increase it at all. I think it's really misleading." The employer National Insurance increase was unanimously seen as a blow — with one provider employing more than 15,000 staff revealing the lowered income threshold accounted for 75% of their increased NI contributions.
The Spring Statement announced £4 billion available to the sector in 2028/29 — a figure welcomed by some, but contested by many in the room for its reliance on assumed council tax rises.
Representation & Collaboration
“Decisions are being made with huge impact. But where's our voice at the table?”
— Homecare provider attendee
There was broad consensus that social care providers are inadequately represented in decision-making — nationally and locally. The Better Care Fund was described as "overpopulated by NHS decision-makers" and excluding social care voices. One regional association chair described a local exception where sitting on ICB boards meant crisis response could be mobilised within two hours — but this was "the exception, not the norm." The ask was simple: "We just need a voice. Not just a voice — partnership."
The Better Care Fundwas described as “overpopulated by NHS decision-makers” and structurally excluding social care provider voices from the decisions that affect them most.
Innovation & the Future
“There just doesn't seem to be any sense of innovation in local authorities.”
— Homecare provider attendee
Funding pressures were seen as stifling innovation. ICBs facing 50% cost-cut targets were described as "entirely inward focused" — losing the creativity that flourishes when providers are trusted. The pandemic was cited as a moment when empowered local providers "did things above and beyond" with better retention and outcomes. The Home to Decide service — offering up to 14 days of intensive at-home support post-discharge, matching the cost of a hospital bed — was highlighted as an example ready to scale but struggling to gain system engagement.
Home to Decidedemonstrated innovation ready to scale — but commissioners' failure to engage was identified as the barrier, not the model.
Workforce
“Without the people, the sector isn't really anything. They are at the heart of it.”
— Rt Hon Ed Argar MP
Care visa applications fell from 158,000 in 2023 to 31,000 in 2024 following government restrictions — described as a "massive mistake". The Fair Pay Agreement was welcomed in principle but attendees were clear: "Of course we want better pay. But there must be funding that goes with it." Treasury representation was absent from key meetings. Skills England was identified as a missed opportunity: "We don't have an apprenticeship framework that fits our needs because we don't talk to them with one voice."
158,000
care visa applications 2023
31,000
care visa applications 2024
Case Studies
Home to Decide
BY HILTON NURSING PARTNERS
A short-term, intensive domiciliary care service lasting up to 14 days. Care begins at 24/7 and steps down as needs are assessed. In a local authority partnership, around 65% of people were able to continue living at home. In an NHS Trust pilot, every single participant was assessed safe to stay at home — at no more cost than a hospital bed for the same period. Despite demonstrating all the components commissioners say they are interested in, gaining consistent engagement remains a challenge.
Who Cares Wins!
BY HALLMARK CARE HOMES FOUNDATION
A national care careers conference for school and college students aged 13–18. The second event was held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2024. Students said it made them feel "more positive about a career in care" and that speakers were "really motivating". Lead responsibility for the third event, in March 2026, has passed to Championing Social Care.
“The ask was simple: We just need a voice. Not just a voice — partnership.”
Key Findings
- ↗
The £4bn Spring Statement figure (for 2028/29) was widely contested — its basis on assumed council tax rises ignores the declared manifestos of many elected councils.
- ↗
National Insurance increases were unanimously seen as a blow, with the lowered income threshold accounting for 75% of increased NI costs for one large employer.
- ↗
The Better Care Fund was described as “overpopulated by NHS decision-makers” and structurally excluding social care provider voices from the decisions that affect them most.
- ↗
Home to Decide demonstrated innovation ready to scale — but commissioners' failure to engage was identified as the barrier, not the model.
- ↗
Care visa restrictions saw applications fall from 158,000 to 31,000 in a single year — workforce reform was described as inseparable from funding reform.
