Councils in England 'pay too little for home care'

The BBC received Freedom of Information data from more than 100 councils

Most councils in England are paying less than the industry recommended minimum for personal home care, a BBC investigation suggests.

The UK Homecare Association (UKHCA), which represents providers, want them to be paid a minimum of £15.19 an hour, to cover wages, training and travel.

But data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act found the minimum paid met that in just four out of 101 cases.

One provider said quality care was not possible at the levels being paid.

Cutting corners

Trevor Brocklebank, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care in Warrington, refuses to bid for council contracts.

He said: "It's impossible to deliver quality care for the hourly rate that's been offered. You have to cut too many corners, cram too may calls and that's not acceptable."

The investigation, by BBC Radio 4's File on 4 programme, found the average minimum rate paid by councils was £12.26 an hour.

Home care services are paid for by councils - and often delivered by agencies - to the elderly and younger disabled adults in their own homes if they qualify through a means-tested assessment.

They include help with activities such as washing, dressing and eating.

Colin Angel, of the UK Homecare Association, said fees being paid were too low.

"Many councils exploit their dominant purchasing power in local markets to reduce prices."

And he urged councils to work with providers to ensure a sustainable care sector was maintained.

'Value for money'

Sandie Keene, president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, said she thought the "value of care should be higher", but added the £15.19 figure felt a little high.

"We're strongly recommending that people use the UKHCA model to work through with providers alongside looking at all local conditions that would then determine what is a reasonable price for care.

"But there isn't a set amount for the price of homecare because of course it costs very different amounts of money depending on where people are in the country, whether it's a rural area or a city and urban area."

She also said the situation needed to be seen in the context of the squeeze on local government finances. While ministers have put extra into social care, the overall funding for all council services has been cut.

Steve Reddy, operational director for adult social care services in Warrington, which had one of the lowest rates at £9.09 an hour, said councils frequently paid more than the lowest rate, particularly for more urgent, complex care.

He added: "The feedback we're getting from those who use our services and their families and carers, generally is very good.

"It's also public money and councils and individuals like me are also challenged to ensure that we deliver value for money."

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: "Local authorities must consider how they can do things differently to deliver better outcomes and quality care for people who need it.

"We know there are plenty of good examples of commissioning by councils, but we want this to be the reality everywhere."

File on 4 will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 8pm on Tuesday 4 February.