Richard Foord MP calls for Government action on social care staffing crisis

Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has highlighted the growing social care challenge in Devon, proposing an increased gambling tax to fund a higher minimum wage for social care workers.

Mr Foord was contributing to the Terms and Conditions of Employment debate on Tuesday evening where he described a burgeoning crisis for Devon’s social care sector, after more than a decade of swingeing funding cuts by the Conservatives, leaving Devon County Council in a perilous financial position.

Higher than average staff turnover in Devon

He told MPs: “The turnover rate for social care staff in Devon is 27 per cent. That is not only higher than the national average, but roughly double the figure for other sectors. That is why I want a separate, higher minimum wage for social care.

“A striking 16 per cent of social care workers cited low pay as the primary reason why they left the job.

“In a rural county such as Devon, people have to travel long distances between the people for whom they care, which sometimes means that their real income is less than the national minimum wage.

A shortage of social care beds

“We in Devon are looking at a shortage of social care beds. Devon County Council projects that by 2027, Devon will face a shortfall of 270 care home beds for older people with complex needs. Looking further ahead, the situation gets worse. By 2033, in Honiton, the unmet need will be 72 care beds; in Cullompton, the need will be 79 care beds. In Seaton and Ottery St Mary, an additional 40 care beds will be required by then.”

A higher gambling tax could be the answer – social care workers must be paid more

Mr Foord continued: “According to Skills for Care, increasing pay by between £1 and £2 per hour above the national minimum wage for care workers could save up to £947 million from reduced hospital admissions, but there would need to be some funding up front to make that happen. I suggest that the remaining funding comes from an additional tax on the gambling industry, which, according to Public Health England, costs the UK economy about £1.4 billion annually due to the financial, physical and mental impacts of problem gambling and the resulting crime and loss of productivity.

“It is time that the Government acted to ensure that those who profit from gambling contribute more to the public good. Increasing pay for the lowest-paid social care workers is a simple, effective step to attract and retain staff, and ensure that people in our communities receive the care that they require. 

“We must go further and pay our social care staff more, recognising their vital role in looking after the elderly and vulnerable.

Spring Statement was a missed opportunity

Commenting on Wednesday’s Spring Statement, Mr Foord, said: “It was a missed opportunity for many of the people who I represent. We need to boost health and social care in fairer and more effective ways, such as from the banking, tech and gambling giants; rather than the businesses on our high streets, older and vulnerable people, or the farmers in our community.”