Sheffield learning disabilities charity reacts to Prime Minister's announcements on social care
“We'd love to do more, we want to do more, but the finances aren't there to do it”
One of Sheffield's social care providers said “we'd love to do more, we want to do more, but the finances aren't there” to best support people with learning disabilities.
Dave Swindlehurst, Chief Executive of learning disabilities charity Sheffield Mencap & Gateway, said Andy Burnham’s recent announcements on social care were “a lot of nice talk, maybe not too much meat on the bones”.
Mr Swindlehurst said he appreciated the new Prime Minister’s sentiments that the person who provides the most personal care for somebody in the difficult times of their lives is often “the worst paid person in society”.
However, as a social care employer who himself pays people minimum wage, he argued that this was not the fault of the provider.
He said: “I would love to pay people more. But we're a social care provider. I can only pay what might get in from the local authority to deliver that service.
“As a charity, there's no profit margin to be eating to. Most of the time, actually, we're propping up that because we have the fundraiser to keep our charity going.
“We'd love to do more, we want to do more, but the finances aren't there to do it."
At the last Sheffield City Council budget, adult health and social care was identified as a growing cost pressure after increase in demand, complex needs and care costs.
Mr Swindlehurst said: “It’s not the fault of the local authorities either. They're not getting enough money from central government.”
Mr Swindlehurst also supported pay parity with healthcare staff, which the Prime Minister has included as part of his pledges on social care.
He said: “The staff that I employ are a million miles away from the terms, conditions, and salaries of health staff.
“It's hard work. It's very rewarding, but it's hard. But I don't think that's recognised in the same way.
“That's where a lot of other charities in the social care sector are, we’re stuck juggling a lot of balls to keep things afloat.
"We know what we're doing is really literally valuable. It's incredibly beneficial for the end user. You see that every day. But it's hard to keep you going sometimes.”