AQW 3487/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 23/09/2022
Answered On Date: 07/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on whether the rise in travel rates for domiciliary care workers will apply to all workers employed in Northern Ireland, or only to those employed by Health and Social Care Trusts.

Answer:

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

As noted, I was recently pleased to be able to ensure a mileage rate increase for Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, including Trust employed domiciliary care workers and district nurses. I have approved a 50% increase to the secondary rate on annual mileage over 3,500 miles to bring it up to 30p per mile. This measure, which will be for an initial six month period, to be reviewed, will benefit those who are required to use their vehicles most frequently. However, this particular increase does not apply to the independent health and social care sector.

Work has been ongoing to deliver additional funding to the independent sector, both in-year and on a recurrent basis, to try to alleviate the ongoing pressures on the system. The £23m funding package which I approved in November 2021, was intended to stabilise and enhance capacity within the independent domiciliary care and wider social care sector. While the Department cannot mandate pay or mileage rates offered by private employers, this investment has 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. This additional funding secured an increase in the hours of domiciliary care delivered by the independent sector and helped to stabilise the care sector during a very difficult period. Despite a very challenging financial context I have ensured that funding was secured to ensure this uplift was carried through to the current year and has been made recurrent.

I recognise that the independent sector continues to face significant difficulties. My officials continue to engage with the sector on ongoing challenges, including those arising from travel and the cost of living. However, given the financial pressures and budgetary uncertainty, there remains limited room for manoeuvre in terms of additional funding.

You may be aware that a public consultation on the Reform of Adult Social Care recently closed. Proposals contained within this consultation will see wider ranging changes to the delivery of social care, including the consideration of recognition and reward of staff. However, this reform package will require sustained additional investment and budgetary certainty.