Failure by the Welsh Government to provide adequate funding for the care sector could lead to a shortfall of £405 million (Welsh Local Government Association Finance Group), “placing vital services at risk”, the vice chair of Care Forum Wales has warned.

It comes as the sector continues to face unprecedented challenges amid mounting concerns around the government’s current budget proposals.

Care Forum Wales, which represents independent health and social care providers across the country, are concerned that the government’s proposed 2.5% increase in core funding for local authorities falls considerably short of what is needed to address the mounting issues already affecting care providers.

We would urge the government to reconsider, insisting that without adequate financial support providers will be left uncertain about the future of the Real Living Wage commitment, as local authorities will be forced into making difficult decisions.

“The social care sector is under immense strain,” said Vice Chair of Care Forum Wales, Sanjiv Joshi. “It is grappling with persistent challenges in recruitment and retention, unsustainable fee rates, and the added financial burden of increased employer National Insurance contributions introduced by the UK Government this year.

“These pressures are already placing vital services at risk. We strongly urge the Welsh Government to prioritise meaningful investment in social care through its upcoming budget to safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and prevent potentially severe consequences for communities across Wales.”

Care Forum Wales will continue to advocate for a budget that reflects the true value of social care and ensures the long-term sustainability of services that thousands of people across Wales rely on every day.