Who bears the brunt? Intersectional analysis of social security cuts since 2010
An intersectional analysis of the impact of cuts to social security since 2010 projected to 2027/8 based on pre-election Government spending plans.
Consultation Response
The Women’s Budget Group submitted a response to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on Reforming Adult Social Care in England.
The adult social care workforce comprised of 81% of female workers, compared to 47% of the economically active population. In 2022/23 staff with a white ethnic background made up 74% of the adult social care workforce compared to 83% of the population of England. People with an Asian / Asian British ethnicity made up 9% of the workforce, and the population. People with a Black / African / Caribbean / Black British ethnicity made up 14% of the adult social care workforce compared to 4% of the population.[1] Therefore, while broader than the scope of this inquiry, the Women’s Budget Group (WBG) believe it is important to consider the impact of the social care workforce pathway on women and the promotion of gender equality as well as the impact on other protected groups under the Equality Act 2010.
The crisis in social care predates recent challenges such as the cost of living crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Underfunding and undervaluation have led to an unsustainable care system, with increasing unmet needs and reliance on unpaid carers, mainly women. While exacerbated by recent events, these longstanding issues continue to define the adult social care crisis today.
Key Recommendations:
[1] Skills for Care (2023) The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce 2023
An intersectional analysis of the impact of cuts to social security since 2010 projected to 2027/8 based on pre-election Government spending plans.
Submission to the Lords Select Committee (October 2018)
WBGs response to Government plans for funding for social care, including recommended reforms on taxes on wealth and income from wealth.
A Pre Budget briefing from the UK Women’s Budget Group on 'Health inequalities and Covid-19' - Spring 2021