Care providers set to receive pay increase

Care providers in Wolverhampton are set to receive a pay rise under new council plans.

The proposals see nursing and residential care providers who support under 65s or older people, including those with dementia; receive a 7.45% increase in their weekly rate.

The hourly rate paid to home care providers, for reablement and home-based respite, to supported living services and providers of day care services would also rise by 7.45%.

The report is set to go before a council cabinet panel on Wednesday, with councillors recommended to approve the proposals.

The agency rate for direct payments for adults, carers and children would increase by 7.45%, with a 9.79% uplift proposed for employed and self-employed personal assistants.

If the plans are approved, the new fee structure will be introduced on 1 April, the City of Wolverhampton Council said.

"Adult care and support providers are continuing to face a perfect storm of rising costs and recruitment issues," said Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing.

She said the proposed increases of between 7.45% and 9.79% followed on from the "significant increase in rates" we announced last year of between 11.85% and 20.36% as part of its Wolverhampton Cares commitment.

Councillors had been recommended to approve the plans, she added.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X, and Instagram, Send your story ideas to: [email protected]