Sheffield care homes say they have been dealt a 'devastating blow' because of a lack of funding

Sheffield care homes say they have been dealt a ‘devastating blow’ because of a lack of funding from the council.
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Sheffield Council says it is making interim payments of 5 per cent for standard rate beds as it recognises companies are experiencing financial pressures due to the coronavirus crisis.

However, Nicola Richards, managing director of Palms Row Health Care, which operates three homes in the city, said the increase fell ‘way short of what’s needed’.

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She said: “Care England has called for a 15 per cent uplift in fees to help cover the costs and the initial assessment of our own budgets would support that this is the bare minimum needed.

Coun George Lindars-HammondCoun George Lindars-Hammond
Coun George Lindars-Hammond

"Sheffield Care Association has calculated that the latest offer from the council is worth just £1.16 million to the city’s care homes over three months.

“We continue to work blind. The assurances the council has given that it will meet additional costs just isn’t good enough, especially when it admits it is facing a financial black hole of its own.

“The situation is critical. We need a guaranteed 15 per cent uplift in funding in the short term and certainty of income for the mid-term or many care homes in the city will face closure.

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“A full review of funding for our sector has been long overdue and is needed more than ever now.

“Our sector has supported the most vulnerable during this pandemic and it is tragic that providers are now concerned over the viability of our services for the future.”

The council estimates its coronavirus-related spending will be about £70 million.

Coun George Lindars-Hammond, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “We have received £34m from Central Government to help cover these costs.

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“However, the announced support is currently far less than our forecast costs.

“We have proposed significant investment to ensure all care homes can be supported financially.

“This allows us to continue to work with care homes on an individual basis to assess the costs that they have experienced and agree the financial support available to each one.”

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