A Statement from HICA CEO Terry Peel, in Response to the Latest Budget Announcement
A Statement from Terry Peel, CEO of Social Care Provider HICA Group, in Response to the Latest Budget Announcement
A Missed Opportunity for Social Care
Once again, Social Care remains in the ‘dark ages’ after years of underinvestment and unfulfilled promises of reform.
A tremendous opportunity was missed to bring the Social Care agenda to the forefront, increasing public awareness of the urgent crisis our sector is experiencing. The Budget announcement was a perfect chance to demonstrate commitment and finally listen to those calling for change, yet it only compounded years of unmet promises.
Whilst the increased funding for the NHS is welcome and necessary, it alone won’t fix what’s broken. Without meaningful partnership with Social Care professionals, the NHS will continue to struggle. This budget represents another missed chance to establish a real, integrated solution.
HICA Group, a not-for-profit organisation providing essential care for vulnerable people, now faces a significant challenge due to the government’s latest budget changes, set to take effect in April 2025. The planned increase in National Insurance contributions and the 6.7% increase in National Living Wage to £12.21 from April 2025 hugely impacts our budget forecasting, endangering our ability to maintain the high standards of care that our communities rely on.
We fully support improving conditions for all social care staff – and achieving parity with our NHS counterparts – but this ambition must be met with immediate and meaningful financial support from central and local government. Without it, these new measures will only intensify the financial strain on our sector.
HICA Group remains fully committed to supporting the most vulnerable. However, this latest Budget and the changes it will bring make that task even more daunting.
Terry Peel CEO HICA Group
