We are pledging to reach out to social care operators following the government's autumn budget.
The budget will significantly add to people's costs at an already difficult time.
Our Cabinet Member for Social Care, Councillor John Spence, said: “While we welcome the positive news in this week’s budget that the carer’s allowance weekly earnings limit will be increased, which is something Essex County Council called for through a motion in May, there can be no doubt it was a challenging day for all the working people of Essex who have had the bravery to start up their businesses and start creating wealth by employing others.
“My colleague Councillor Whitbread, the Chancellor of Essex, has already talked about the impact on the council’s finances; my concerns are the social care operators with whom we work.
“Social care is particularly people-heavy, and the wage bill is a huge part of the total cost. It is also, sadly, an area where many work at or slightly above the living wage. The combination of national insurance employer contribution and living wage increases this week will have had a massive impact. Taking the simple example of a business with 20 employees earning the living wage, the total addition to costs would be in the order of £40,000 to £50,000.
“Essex County Council is dedicated to ensuring a vibrant social care market where our residents can be sure of choice and quality. Our hospital discharge rates are among the best in the country, thus minimising the numbers who remain in hospital longer than they need to be. We will do all we can to maintain the provision of quality social care across our great county.”