Meeting of the Parliament 24 March 2026 [Draft]
I recognise the constructive engagement of Ms Laughland. With regard to what has been achieved in this Parliament, one key point that I will highlight is the increase in resource. This Government committed to an increase in social care resource of 25 per cent. That commitment not only has been met ahead of the end of the parliamentary session but has been exceeded by approximately £500 million. That has happened at a time when we have had unparalleled pressure generated by the cost of living crisis. We all remember that we have had to contend with eye-watering inflation rates, which have impacted every individual, household and business, including those who operate in social care, and every facet of the public sector.
With regard to the specific measures that have been taken at the end of this parliamentary session, I draw members’ attention to my announcement last week, which set out that the Government is committed to introducing sectoral bargaining for the financial year 2027-28. That, in and of itself, represents a significant step forward in improving terms, conditions, pay and overall resource in social care.