Care England Warns House of Commons Vote Deals Devastating Blow to Social Care Sector

Care England, the leading representative body for independent adult social care providers, has condemned the House of Commons’ failure to support amendments that would have exempted care providers from the damaging rise in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (ENICs).

Despite widespread warnings from across the sector, MPs rejected a critical opportunity to protect care services from financial collapse. As a result, care providers will now be forced to absorb these unsustainable costs, placing the future of vital care services at severe risk.

This vote was not a free choice for MPs, as Labour’s whips ensured they toed the party line, leaving little room for dissent. Unable to vote with their conscience, many instead voted with their feet by not being there, or abstaining from the vote itself, refusing to stand by as the government pushed ahead with yet another devastating blow to social care. This deliberate suppression of debate has denied the sector the urgent support it so desperately needs.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:

“Today, we bear witness to a devastating blow that seals the fate of thousands of care providers across our nation. In a callous act of indifference, the government has dismantled the core principles and ethos of the Care Act, abandoning millions who depend on vital support. This is indeed a dark day for community-based care, not only a ruthless assault on those we protect and employ, but on the very fabric of our democracy.”

Prior to the vote, Care England urged MPs to recognise the dire consequences of the ENICs increase. The figures were stark:

• 72% of providers say their business will become unviable within the next year.
• 64% will be forced to make staff redundant, exacerbating the workforce crisis.
• 73% will refuse new care packages from local authorities or the NHS, leaving people without the care they need.
• 22% of providers plan to close their services entirely.

These warnings have now been ignored. The decision will have far-reaching consequences; not only for those who require care but for the NHS, which is already struggling under the weight of delayed discharges and overwhelmed hospitals.

Care England is urging the government to reconsider its position and introduce a targeted relief package to protect social care providers from financial collapse. We call for:

• The Treasury to urgently revisit the financial support options Care England has presented, ensuring care providers receive the necessary funding to remain viable.
• Local authorities and Integrated Care Boards to commit to sustainable fee rates that reflect the true cost of care, factoring in these additional financial pressures, and to confirm these rates in a timely manner to provide certainty for providers.
• MPs to push for an urgent debate on a long-term funding solution for social care – one that addresses workforce shortages, inflationary pressures, and the growing demand for complex care – and to ensure the Spring Budget includes provisions that mitigate the impact of these changes.

Care England will continue to press the government for action and is asking care providers, families, and sector partners to contact their local MPs to highlight the devastating impact of this decision.