£3m boost for Somerset’s care heroes, as County Hall is lit up in their honour

SOMERSET’S heroic care providers will receive an extra £3 million to help them support vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.

The one-off payment will see contracted providers receive a 10% increase in fees over a 3-month period, which will help with additional costs brought about by the crisis.

Somerset County Council has also extended a heartfelt thank you to carers and will be lighting up County Hall in green and blue in their honour, as well paying tribute to council staff, the NHS, and other key workers and volunteers who are stepping up to keep the county running.

Councillor David Huxtable, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, has written to care providers to thank them for the “exceptional care, love and support” they have shown to older and disabled people in every part of the county.

“Without you doing what you do, we could not protect the NHS, we could not give older and disabled people the lives, and sometimes, sadly, the good deaths that they deserve,” he wrote.

“There are many heroes emerging in this crisis, from nurses and doctors, to bus drivers, refuse collectors and school teachers and volunteers.

But for now, I want to thank you, on behalf of the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet and all Councillors and residents of Somerset for the work you are doing every single day.

“When this is over, we must never underestimate the value that social care offers society, not only in times of crisis, but every single day, in caring for our most vulnerable.”

Director of Adults Services, Mel Lock said: “We are truly humbled by the work of our excellent care sector and want everyone to recognise the vital role it plays in supporting Somerset’s most vulnerable residents. We must also recognise the fantastic work of our health partners and all their staff.

“We hope this £3m uplift will help providers cover additional costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are absolutely committed to supporting our care sector, and this new payment is in addition to a substantial uplift which Somerset County Council had already agreed for fee levels for 2020/21.”

If you need help with anything to do with coronavirus please phone our dedicated helpline on: 0300 790 6275

Free support and information is available for carers at: https://somersetcarers.org/

Video message: Councillor David Huxtable thanks Somerset’s care heroes: https://youtu.be/iAVJoIQaels

For the latest updates on coronavirus, and to sign up to our newsletter, visit: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/