There is no doubt that 2025 has been another demanding year for social care. Pressures on services, funding, workforce challenges and rising demand continue to test our resilience on a daily basis. These challenges are real, and they affect everyone working across health and care. Yet what continues to stand out is the determination, compassion and sheer commitment of those who choose to work in this sector.
Social care is not sustained by systems alone. It is sustained by people. By the quiet acts of kindness, the long days, the difficult conversations, and the unwavering belief that caring for others matters. That desire to care, even in the toughest circumstances, is what makes this sector so special, and why it continues to endure.
Throughout 2025, the Kent Integrated Care Alliance has spent significant time listening to providers, amplifying their voices, and lobbying on behalf of the social care sector. We have worked hard to ensure that the realities facing care services in Kent are understood, both locally and nationally, and we remain committed to continuing this vital advocacy in the year ahead.
Representatives from the Board met recently with members of KCC cabinet and officers to present the current and future sector pressures for consideration within their 2026/27 budget. We are faced this year not only with LA funding pressures for the next financial year, but also with an overspend of £31m plus within the current year allocation. Although a very challenging meeting, we asked that KCC provide us with answers to their policy decisions regarding changes in commissioning for the next financial quarter to reduce this overspend. We still await the answers to questions, you as providers, have asked us to clarify on your behalf.
We have now taken legal advice from one of our sponsors and engaged them to advise us on any actions we may need to take to ensure fees and service provision are not compromised or contrary to their obligations under the Care Act. We will meet them again in January when we expect their 2026/27 draft budget to be available and the allocation for social care fee uplifts considered. Any further action we need to take at this time will be advised upon.
Early in 2026 we as an association will need to collect data from yourselves for evidence regarding our county position. I ask that you assist us in collecting this accurate data so challenges are kept to a minimum. I also ask that if you are currently being asked to comply with unreasonable requests to reduce service provision or cost savings that you forward these onto Louise as soon as possible so that we have further information for our meetings in January.
KiCA exists because collaboration matters. Together, we will continue to find ways forward. Together, we will continue to care.
Ann Taylor
Chair.
