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Social Care News Bulletin – February 2026

NATIONAL POLICY & FUNDING

• Government freezes capital limits for adult social care
• Capital limits for 2026–27 remain at £14,250 (lower) and £23,250 (upper). With inflation rising, this freeze reduces real‑terms support and increases financial pressure on older adults entering care.
  More information: https://www.gov.uk

 

• Minimum Income Guarantee uplift confirmed
• From April 2026, the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) for working‑age adults receiving local‑authority arranged care will rise by 7%. This is the first above‑inflation uplift in over a decade and will benefit more than 150,000 disabled adults.
  More information: https://www.parliament.uk

 

• £723m Disabled Facilities Grant allocation for 2026–27
• Local authorities will receive £723 million to support home adaptations such as ramps, stairlifts, and accessible bathrooms. A new allocation model will be introduced with transitional protections.
  More information: https://www.gov.uk

 

• National consultation on smoke‑free and vape‑free spaces
• A new consultation proposes expanding smoke‑free, heated‑tobacco‑free, and vape‑free zones, with a focus on protecting children, pregnant women, and people with health conditions.
  More information: https://www.gov.uk

 

• Updated social care charging guidance published
• Statutory guidance for 2026–27 confirms increases to the Personal Expenses Allowance and Savings Credit disregard. Capital limits remain unchanged.
  More information: https://www.gov.uk

 

• Social Care Commission criticised for slow progress
• Campaigners have raised concerns about limited progress from the Government’s Social Care Commission, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey. Issues highlighted include frozen capital thresholds and rising numbers of people unable to access support.
  More information: https://www.express.co.uk

 

LOCAL AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE, WORKFORCE & SECTOR VOICES

• Hackney adult social care rated ‘Requires Improvement’
• A new CQC review found significant delays, with some residents waiting up to two years for assessment. Challenges include digital exclusion, limited direct payments uptake, and insufficient support for complex needs. Leadership and financial assessment processes were rated positively.
  More information: https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk (hackneycitizen.co.uk in Bing)

 

• Dame Emma Bridgewater to champion adult social care
• Ceramicist Dame Emma Bridgewater has pledged to use her new honour to advocate for stronger communities and better support for people living in care, drawing on personal family experience.
  More information: https://www.expressandstar.com

 

• 🏘️ Former care home to be replaced with supported living for young people
• A long‑vacant care home in Arnold (Leivers Court) will be demolished and redeveloped into 22 supported‑living apartments for young people, alongside eight affordable family homes. The scheme includes staff facilities, communal areas, and secure outdoor space, with Nottingham Community Housing Association as provider. West Bridgford Wire
  Source: West Bridgford Wire

 

• 🧑‍🦽 New supported living home proposed in Basingstoke
• Roland House has received an application to operate as supported living for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs. The model includes 24‑hour staffing, waking‑night cover, and structured support hours. Versita Care, rated “Good” by CQC, is behind the proposal. Basingstoke Gazette
  Source: Basingstoke Gazette

 

• 🏠 Newport five‑bed supported living home deemed lawful
• A property in St Julians, Newport, has been confirmed as lawful for use as a supported living home for up to five adults with disabilities and autism. The home will operate as a single household with round‑the‑clock staff support, focusing on independence and daily living skills. South Wales Argus
  Source: South Wales Argus

 

• 🧒 Supported living for young people approved in Goldthorpe
• Barnsley Council has issued a lawful development certificate allowing a Barnsley Road property to support three to four young people aged 16–17 without needing full planning permission. The model fits within Use Class C3(b), with staff visiting but not residing on‑site. The Star
  Source: The Star

 

• 🏥 NHS site in Rotherham to become permanent supported living homes
• Plans are underway to convert four unused NHS buildings into ten long‑term supported living units for adults needing assisted living. The homes will offer step‑free access, tailored 24‑hour support, and “homes‑for‑life” rather than transitional accommodation. Rotherham Advertiser
  Source: Rotherham Advertiser

Sector priorities for 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care’s early‑year briefing highlights:

• Strengthening leadership across adult social care
• Improving workforce wellbeing and retention
• Enhancing support for unpaid carers
• Tackling assessment backlogs and digital exclusion
  More information: https://socialcare.blog.gov.uk (socialcare.blog.gov.uk in Bing)