Councillors are being recommended to approve an increase in the amount the City of Wolverhampton Council pays to adult social care providers of 3.47% in the next financial year.
A report will go before Cabinet tomorrow (Wednesday 18 February 2026), with councillors asked to support the proposed increase to 'ensure sufficiency and sustainability' across the adult social care market. If approved, it would mean payments to adult social care providers by the council have risen by around 44% over the last five years as part of its ongoing commitment to the sector.
It is proposed that rates will increase by 3.47% for homecare, reablement, home-based respite, nursing and residential care, Shared Lives, individual service funds, supported living, day care, and the agency rate for Direct Payments. Direct Payments for employed personal assistants are proposed to increase by 4.1%.
If agreed, the new fee structure will be introduced on 30 March, 2026. Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "Our city's adult social care providers have a vital role to play in supporting our most vulnerable residents, and we are determined to do all we can to support them.
"We know that, like other employers, adult care and support providers are continuing to grapple with rising costs and recruitment issues. These proposed increases, which follow on from a significant increase in rates over the last few years, will continue our strong record of support for the sector, amounting to a 44% uplift since 2021.”