Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has shared his delight after Milton Keynes was awarded £614,845 by the Conservative Government to help boost the social care workforce in the city.
The funding comes as part of the COVID-19 Winter Plan 2021-22 which is backed by over £550 million including £162.5 million to support the recruitment of new staff and retention of existing carers in adult social care.
There is expected to be almost half a million extra job opportunities in adult social care by 2035 and more than 105,000 vacancies needing to be filled, so the Government has launched a ‘Made with Care’ campaign aims to encourage people to apply for exciting and rewarding roles across the country.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: "Care workers have done a phenomenal job throughout the pandemic, in difficult circumstances, and I thank them for all they have done.
'"A career in social care is rewarding and inspiring. Over the next 3 years we are investing at least £500 million to support the training and development for carers.
"We need more people who possess the core values this workforce embody so strongly – kindness, compassion and resilience – to look after our friends and family with dignity and respect."
Ben Everitt MP commented: "I'm delighted Milton Keynes is receiving more than £614k to boost our adult social care workforce at such a vital moment as we approach the winter period.
"Care workers have been absolutely wonderful over the last almost two years in incredibly tough circumstances and it's right we invest in social care, encourage people to join the workforce to play an important role in helping to develop a world-leading social care system."
Councillor Alice Jenkins, Conservative Group Spokesperson for Health and Adult Social Care on MK Council, added: "Care workers play a critical role looking after our most vulnerable, and are incredibly important.
"I hope this funding will attract more people in MK to consider a career in adult social care, so we can offer better and more accessible care to those who need it."
