AQW 2139/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 24/06/2022
Answered On Date: 04/07/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he is giving consideration to specific financial support for caring providers operating in rural areas, where the comparative impact of rising fuel costs is greater.

Answer:

I am acutely aware of the continuing impact that the increase in living costs and fuel prices is having across Northern Ireland, and particularly in relation to those who use their vehicles to deliver services in rural areas as part of their day to day roles.

I was pleased to recently be able to announce a mileage rate increase for Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, including Trust employed domiciliary care workers and district nurses, however this particular increase does not apply to the independent health and social care sector.

Unlike the statutory sector, there is no regional rate for mileage in regards to independent sector providers, which is part of the terms and conditions offered by individual employers. The Department cannot mandate what levels of pay, or terms and conditions private employers should offer, including in regards to mileage or travel costs.

However, you will be aware that on 24 November I announced a support package of up to £23m, which allowed independent domiciliary care providers to improve recruitment, employee retention, and Terms and Conditions for staff. This investment has already allowed providers to deliver enhanced rates of pay and improve other terms and conditions, which may also include increased mileage rates, at individual employers’ discretion. Despite a very challenging financial climate I have ensured that sufficient funding was provided to Trusts to ensure this uplift was carried through to the current year and made recurrent.

I have tasked officials to continue engaging with the independent sector on ongoing challenges including the travel and other cost of living pressures facing staff. However, given the financial pressures and budgetary uncertainty, the room for manoeuvre in terms of additional funding is limited.

Proposals currently out for consultation on the Reform of Adult Social Care will see wider ranging changes to the delivery of social care. However, this reform package will require sustained additional investment and budgetary certainty.