Theme 6: Funding and rates

Lack of government funding in the adult social care sector was highlighted as the primary cause for concern across both bed-based and community care. It was felt that this was restricting innovations in practice. Some providers may be drawn to providing services for other local authorities, if the rates set by Gloucestershire County Council and GICB become unsustainable.

Providers emphasised the importance of considering the private market. People who fund their own care are entering the market earlier and living for longer, therefore depleting their own financial resources both earlier and faster.

It was also recognised that a shift in peoples’ financial circumstances in the future may see the numbers with assets and pensions to cover care costs decrease. This could destabilize the private market and increase demand for Gloucestershire County Council -funded support. However, it was noted that care homes with a business model primarily aimed at older people who fund their own care are still being built in Gloucestershire, despite such providers not being willing to accept Gloucestershire County Council rates.

Gloucestershire County Council should also ensure timely payments to providers as they often do not have enough cashflow to carry unpaid or delayed invoices for an extended period of time.