Government provides extra £60 million to local authorities for adult social care over January 2022

The government will provide an extra £60 million to local authorities to support the adult social care response to COVID-19 in January, Minister for Care Gillian Keegan has announced. 

The Adult Social Care - Omicron Support Fund is on top of the £388 million infection control and testing fund announced earlier in the year to prevent infections and provide testing in the care sector.

Minister for Care Gillian Keegan said:

“Protecting care staff and people who use social care services continues to be a priority, especially as cases surge and Omicron spreads rapidly around the country. [This] extra funding will ensure that we continue to support adult social care to keep people safe and prevent outbreaks."

This additional £60 million will help protect both those who receive care, the family and friends who support them, as well as the adult social care workforce.

Local authorities can use the funding to support the sector and protect people from COVID-19 infection. This includes:

• investing in improved ventilation
• increasing the use of Direct Payments (which are offered to people with eligible social care needs so they have choice and control over their care and support arrangements)
• or paying for COVID-19 sickness and self-isolation pay for staff.

People living in care homes are typically more vulnerable to severe illnesses as a result of COVID-19. Care home guidance (opens new window) was changed recently to protect residents further by allowing each resident to have three listed visitors as well as an essential care giver, either a family member or friend, who may visit the home to offer companionship or help with care needs.