Care Providers Warn Isle of Wight Council Fees Fall Short — Risking Social Care Stability

Local care providers have raised concerns over the Isle of Wight Council’s recent decision to increase residential care fees by 2.34% and domiciliary care fees by 2.99% for the coming year, well below the 3.8% estimated to cover rising costs.

Providers say the increase fails to reflect rising wages, energy, food, insurance, and supply costs, as well as growing demand from residents with more complex needs.

They warn that underfunding could lead to reduced capacity, higher staff turnover, and a decline in care quality, putting vulnerable residents at risk.

Ian Bennett, Residential Director of the Isle of Wight Care Partnership, said:

"This is about stability, not profit. If fees don’t reflect the reality of delivering care, the risk ultimately sits with the Council and, more importantly, with the vulnerable people who rely on these services."

Providers also criticised limited engagement from councillors and are calling for open dialogue with local MPs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Island’s social care system.

The Isle of Wight Care Partnership stresses that adequate funding is essential to maintain quality and meet the increasing demands of care across the Island.