AN investigation recently found that most councils in England are paying less than the industry recommended minimum for personal home care.

The industry body that represents providers, the UK Homecare Association (UKHCA), has demanded a minimum of £15.19 an hour to cover wages, travel and training expenses.

The research has revealed that only four in 101 cases have reached that minimum level. In fact, the BBC’s ‘File on 4’ programme discovered that the average minimum rate paid by councils is £12.26 an hour.

Certain home care services are paid for by councils and delivered to the vulnerable (the elderly or disabled) in their own homes. Often the service is provided by private agencies like Martlets Care.

Last year, charity Leonard Cheshire Disability revealed that in England, 60% of councils arrange 15-minute calls. Leonard Cheshire wants a ban on what it deems ‘the scandal of flying 15-minute visits’, saying that such appointments can ‘force disabled people to choose whether to go thirsty or to go to the toilet’.

On the flip side, we are all too aware that the overall funding for all council services has been cut.

Martlets Care is a social enterprise, so our profits go to fund the Martlets Hospice. Nevertheless, we operate as a commercial business and we therefore appreciate the realities of trying to meet the needs of the vulnerable within the context of a sustainable business.

The temptation for firms to cut corners as a result of lower margins for council calls is understandable, given that the rate paid to the carers is the same whether it is a private or council patient.

We understand that our council has a very difficult job due to the Government constraints.

The Care Quality Commission is trying to drive up standards on the one hand, while on the other hand, budgetary limitations are pressing local authorities to trim visits. Martlets Care has made the decision not to do 15-minute calls, but there are other agencies on the council contract that still undertake these calls when requested by the council.

A lowering of care standards brought about by fleeting visits and low council pay rates in some regions will result in vulnerable clients being put at risk.

Joseph Bower, care manager at Martlets Care, whose profits support the Martlets Hospice

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