CARE providers are calling for better financial support from the government to help them get through the hardships caused by the fight against coronavirus.

The Independent Care Group (ICG) says a 5 per cent increase in fees offered by a local authority will not sufficiently help providers who are facing real hardship. It is calling on the government to provide better financial help to local authorities so that they in turn can help providers who look after older and vulnerable people.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said the group is grateful for North Yorkshire County Council's 5 per cent increase in fees but says it is not enough as providers are facing "real financial difficulty" and calls for support from central government.

“Care providers are facing huge increases in costs, for instance the costs of bringing in agency staff to cover for staff who are unwell, sick pay costs and the increasing cost of protective equipment.

“Add to this the fact that, due to stopping admissions, some care homes may see a dramatic reduction in income and you can see why potentially this could be very serious indeed for providers. Homecare providers will also be financially challenged due to a reduction in contracts.

“We understand the financial hardships local authorities are under and believe it is up to the government to provide those authorities with more support so that they in turn can help providers.

“They promised to do whatever was needed to get the country through the pandemic, well this is really necessary if social care is to play its crucial role in caring for people with the virus and protecting those most vulnerable to it.”

Social care currently looks after 400,000 people in care and nursing homes – three times the number in NHS hospital beds. Social care looks after a further 640,000 people in their own homes.