'Sleepwalking into crisis? Care providers demand end to postcode lottery funding

SOCIAL care in Wales is “sleepwalking into a crisis” unless a funding system that forces families to “pay twice” for essential support is ripped up, providers have warned.

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The alert comes as Care Forum Wales (CFW), which represents more than 400 care homes and home-care companies, launches a hard-hitting manifesto ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.

The organisation is urging the new Welsh Government to hold the nation’s 22 councils and seven health boards to account for creating a postcode lottery that can see funding for identical needs differ by as much as £20,000 a year per person.

CEW says national guidance is being ignored, leaving families to shoulder unfair costs while vulnerable older people are denied the financial support they need and deserve - all under the guise of local democracy.

According to CFW, the lack of a national fee model has left many homes and domiciliary care companies struggling financially.

It's left some providers unable to cover basic costs and relying on third-party “top up fees” from families - a charge they describe as a “tax on care based solely on where people live”

In a challenge to ministers ahead of the polling, CFW warns that crumbling funding, inconsistent assessments and the collapse of the international recruitment route are driving staff out of the sector.

As a result, extra pressure is being put on the NHS with hospital beds blocked because community care can’t cope.