The government said it would be aiming to increase opportunities for career progression and development in the sector backed by £250m, despite having previously promised ‘at least £500m’ would be invested.
‘This is yet another cruel and unfair cut to the funding we need to provide help and support to older and vulnerable people,’ said Mike Padgham, chair of the Independent Care Group, which represents care providers. He added, “The government insists that all promised funding will stay within the sector, but we cannot believe a word they tell us anymore.”
Professor Vic Rayner, chief executive of the National Care Forum, said, “The People at the Heart of Care reforms are in tatters. Yet again the government has repackaged and reduced existing promises of support and funding, only to announce them as if they are new.”
Natalie Grayson, GMB national care officer, described the decision as ‘disgraceful’.