Welsh Health and Social Services Minster Vaughan Gething has announced £22.7m in additional funding today (Aug 3) for adult social care providers.
The funding will add to the £40m made available to local authorities in April for the adult social care sector in Wales.
Lost income and additional costs incurred as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic are putting tremendous strain on adult social care services. Today’s funding will be available immediately and will continue until the end of September.
The Minister said:
“Social care plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and has been on the front line in our effort across public services to meet the challenges posed by Covid-19.
“The initial payment of £40m helped the sector meet the rising costs incurred during the pandemic in areas such as staffing, increased infection control, higher food prices and greater use of ICT to keep families in touch with their loved ones where they were no longer able to meet.
“This further funding will ensure adult social care providers can maintain their vital care in what continues to be challenging circumstances.”
“The social care workforce is on the front line of this huge effort to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and we are committed to supporting every single person do their job.
“Every one of us in Wales owes them a debt of gratitude. I want to personally thank our social care workforce for their fantastic efforts in protecting the public.”
Care homes in particular are facing financial challenges as increased vacancies in their homes come as a result of admissions restrictions to contain the virus.
