Social care providers will be paid increased fees in Bury to help keep vulnerable people well looked after and encourage firms to pay the Real Living Wage to their staff.  

The aim is to ensure providers are financially able to meet current and future needs and move towards a sustainable cost of care. 

The council has agreed to increases of either 12.4 per cent or 14.7 per cent, depending on the type of care provided, whether in a residential home or a person’s own house

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing at the council, said: “We acknowledge that providers of social care are facing a number of cost pressures- from inflation and energy prices to implementing the National Living Wage increase and ongoing Covid pressures. 

“There is also increasing demand for more complex provision, including dementia and nursing services, and to support people to live well at home. 

“We have made a substantial financial commitment to paying our lowest paid staff and those in organisations we commission. 

“Organisations which pay the Real Living Wage recruit and keep more of their staff. People are better motivated and work harder, and are attracted to work there. 

“It’s good for staff, but also the organisations who pay them.

"It’s why we’re recommending other employers across the borough adopt it.” 

If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.