Dimensions responds to the June spending review

This is a disappointing spending review for our sector because the increased funding for social care will not materialise for several years and we know it’s already overdue.

Rachael Dodgson, Dimensions’ Chief Executive said:

The additional £4 bn pledged for social care by 2028/9 compared to 2025-26 is welcome but it’s unclear what this will mean in terms of improvements to an ailing system. If the Fair Pay Agreement funding isn’t ringfenced, it will affect improvements to the rest of the system.

£39 billion for new affordable and social housing is a positive step forward but there is no indication that it will expand accessible and supported housing options for disabled people. There needs to be better planning between care and housing to enable more people to live independently in the community.

Members of the independent commission into reform of social care led by Baroness Louise Casey have already started to visit people who draw on care and support. This is a good start, and it is important for us to influence this so that a strong and secure funding base for social care can be developed. One which upholds the legal entitlements, rights and the dignity of disabled people and recognises the value of the social care workforce.