It is well documented that our social care and support sector remains chronically underfunded and under-valued. The formation of ProvidersUnite is a direct result of the complete erosion of any resilience within social care. When the Chancellor unveiled her first budget late last year, we anticipated the rise in the National Living Wage, however the simultaneous increase of the Employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the resulting financial pressures landed like a grenade at the heart of social care provision. Whilst we recognise that we are not the only sector affected, the impact on social care will be particularly devastating, potentially destabilising services that people and families rely on every day.

Recognising the potential of a catastrophic threat to the viability of the sector we (National Care Association) wrote to the Chancellor. The letter resonated with providers across the sector and requests to co-sign it snowballed. For the first time we saw the sector unite together in a powerful and collegiate way to express a shared concern; this unexpected financial burden threatens not only services but also the wellbeing of individuals and families who depend on them. This movement gave rise to ProvidersUnite, a grassroots coalition determined to protect and promote the vital role of social care in our society.

Within a day, thousands of providers joined the movement, and compelling momentum for action ensued. The aim is clear; to compel the government to fully fund this budget, recognising the essential role of social care and support in people’s lives. Over the years, the resilience of the sector has been eroded, leaving a funding gap of between £8.4bn and this addition pressure from April 2025 will lead to more than £10 billion.

At a time when the NHS despite its funding remains overwhelmed, the failure to prioritise social care is short-sighted and deeply concerning. Demographic trends clearly demonstrate an increasing need for care and support; neglecting this reality only exacerbates the pressures on our health and social services.

The support for ProvidersUnite has come from those who receive and deliver care. With over 500,000 people waiting for assessments to meet their care needs, in addition to the millions more we already support, we cannot remain silent.

Join us in Westminster on 25th February 2025 to make our voices heard. Together, we can demand that our social care services receive the investment they so desperately needs, so that all of us can have the confidence that support will be there when we or our loved ones need it most.

Nadra Ahmed CBE – Executive Chairman, National Care Association