What Labour's Election Win Means for Health and Social Care

As the dust begins to settle following the recent general election in the UK, what can operators of health and social care services and those receiving such services expect in the coming months? The provision of health and social care was certainly prominent within the Labour Party's manifesto. It will, therefore, be interesting to see what changes they implement to support an industry that has suffered significantly from recent events.

In terms of setting the scene, it's important to acknowledge that care home providers have faced significant challenges. From the effects of Brexit reducing the number of readily available members of staff to the war in Ukraine driving up the cost of utilities and not forgetting the cost of living crisis, care home providers have struggled of late.

So, what can we expect from the Labour government?

One point of interest is the aim to develop a National Care Service. The idea behind this would be to create national standards that would ensure consistency in the care delivered throughout the country. A priority within the national care service will be enabling people to be cared for within their homes for as long as possible, along with a pledge from Labour to create a new legal right for people in residential care to see their families. This has come about off the back of COVID-19 and the terrible difficulties that some service users and family members had seeing each other during such a distressing time. While care home providers may welcome the opportunity for service users to see their families more frequently, the introduction of a legal right may also create some concerns, particularly in terms of increased demand and potential strain on resources.

NHS Trusts Buying Beds in Care Homes

A potential option put forward, which could undoubtedly provide certainty offunding to care homes, was the idea that NHS trusts should buy beds within care homes to speed up the time it takes to discharge patients from hospitals, thus increasing hospital capacity. While this may provide additional funding to care homes and create more space in hospitals, there is an obvious risk that patients could be discharged too early, leading to complications that care homes may not be qualified to handle. The complex needs of these individuals might exceed the capabilities of the care homes receiving them.

Changes to Gender Recognition Law

Another subject that was featured prominently during the election campaign was gender identity. Labour has stated that It will seek to simplify gender recognition law, which can only be seen as a good thing for all of those individuals suffering from gender dysphoria. However, there is no doubt that any changes to gender recognition law are likely to be highly controversial and raise a wide variety of legal issues and challenges.

Potential Ban on Cigarette Sales

Turning to public health, the labour government has pledged to pick up legislation that may lead to a ban on cigarettes being sold in the UK.  This could have significant implications for the health and social care sector, potentially reducing the number of patients with smoking-related illnesses.

Regulation of Junk Food Advertisements

There continues to be concern around the targeting of children with adverts and promotions for junk foods, including those high in fat, sugar, and salt. We can expect to see both these types of promotions and the foods, in general, being targeted by the new government. One such area that has already been suggested is greater regulation over the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to under sixteens potentially looking at fines of up to £2,500 enforced by Trading Standards.

Fair Pay Agreement for Adult Social Care Workers

Another significant development in the care sector is Labour's pledge to create a fair pay agreement for those individuals working in adult social care. A minimum wage for care workers would be welcomed by those providing highly skilled, valuable care to service users on a daily basis. However, the question has to be how this will be funded. Staffing challenges continue to exist in social care, and a rise in wages may well be an important first step to attracting more people to work in the sector. 

External Factors and Implications for Social Care

Whilst the above looks at some of the legislative changes that might be brought in directly affecting the care sector, it is also important to look at what other factors might impact social care over the course of the Labour government. Interest rates continue to appear steady, but is it possible that with a general election out of the way and a growing albeit very slowly economy, the Bank of England might look to lower interest rates? 

Could a change in interest rates spark more private investment into social care? Other external factors could well be the purported fiscal deficit and how that might be bridged. Will there be changes to capital gains tax? If so, will this lead to owners of care businesses looking to sell up to benefit from existing lower rates of taxation? Larger consolidators have found market conditions tough over recent years, so it will be interesting to see who comes forward if there is a surplus of care providers for sale. 

It is certain that the provision of care and health services is of utmost importance and in the UK needs a great deal of support from the government. The Labour Party has made some noise with its manifesto and campaigning, and it is now the time to see how they deliver. One thing is for sure: the need will certainly remain, and those working in the care sector will continue to do all they can to provide the much needed care that so many require.