Sandwell care homes call for cash boost as fees set to rise

Providers of residential and nursing services are asking for a 7.5 per cent rise to meet the costs of social care, with some saying the council proposed increase could put them out of business.

The authority is being recommended to authorise an average £18.72 per week increase amounting to an average four per cent rise according to a report going to Sandwell Council’s cabinet next week.

Stuart Lackenby, director of adult social care for Sandwell, in his report to the cabinet has said the increases will allow companies to support vulnerable adults.

He said: “In the assessment of officers, the recommended increase to council funding of 4.5 per cent in residential and 3.8 per cent in nursing homes will enable care home providers to meet their costs, make a reasonable profit overall and continue to provide good quality care.

“The risk of any adverse consequences is very low.”

But the reports adds a consultation by the West Midlands Care Association (WMCA) which claimed its members said they needed almost double what is being offered.

Companies complained the model used to calculate the cost of care does not take into account levels of occupancy or the impact of increases in the national living wage.

Three homes told the WMCA that the council’s proposed rise would make their businesses unviable.

Sandwell will increase fees by £19,62 to £455.90 per week for residential care, £22.06 to £513.10 residential and dementia, £16.48 to £615.54 for nursing provision and by £16.75 to £623.52 for combined nursing and dementia care.

The proposed payments were drawn up earlier this year – before the Covid-19 outbreak.

Recognising the pressures care homes are now under, the report says the council is offering extra support on top of the normal fees.

The report will be discussed by the cabinet on Wednesday, May 6.

WMCA has been contacted for comment.