I have been contacted about care workers' pay.
I agree that the work carried out by carers is absolutely vital, ensuring that people who need support are able to live full, rewarding lives. 1.6m people work in social care, which is 22% higher than ten years ago.
Since 2015 local authorities have had greater flexibility over the use of the council tax social care precept, so they can choose to raise extra money, as well as retain savings from the New Homes Bonus, totalling £240 million. In the Spending Round in September 2019, an extra £1.5 billion was made available to councils for adult social care services. This funding should be viewed as a significant down payment as we move towards a long term funding solution.
I was proud to stand on the Conservative Manifesto which made clear that we must build the same level of consensus on social care that we have already built on the NHS, across political parties, so that an answer can be brought forward that solve the problem, commands the widest possible support, and stands the test of time.
I will continue to monitor this issue closely and will ensure that ministers are aware of the views that have been expressed to me.
