Navigating the Better Care Fund

The Better Care Fund (BCF) is a vital initiative. It aims to integrate health and social care across the UK. For social care providers, understanding the BCF is essential. This briefing note breaks down the key aspects of the Better Care Fund policy framework 2025 to 2026. It highlights the changes, priorities, and actions required. By understanding these components, you can align with this important policy.

What is the Better Care Fund?

The BCF’s goal is to reform and strengthen neighbourhood services across health and social care. It emphasises providing care closer to home, with a strong focus on prevention. This shift moves away from treating sickness. Instead, it promotes well-being and independence. The Better Care Fund aims to improve the lives of those with complex health and care needs. It does this by ensuring health and social care services collaborate. Also, the services should be joined-up and person-centred. Adult social care plays a vital part. It is nurturing local communities and supporting people to live fulfilling lives.

Key changes for 2025-2026

Several key changes to the BCF will affect the 2025-2026 period. Firstly, the BCF commits to supporting a shift from sickness to prevention. Therefore, it focuses on early intervention and proactive support. Secondly, a major shift is the move from hospital-based care to home-based care. This is with the intention of allowing people to live independently for as long as possible. Another significant change is consolidating the discharge fund into the main BCF. Consequently, this provides more flexibility. Additionally, there will be fewer national metrics, along with simpler planning and reporting requirements. This offers greater local freedom and flexibility. Moreover, there will be an emphasis on accountability for outcomes. Local government will have more freedom. However, it needs to demonstrate improved service delivery. A risk-based approach will provide greater oversight. This will ensure enhanced support is available for areas struggling with performance. The BCF also aligns to the development of a neighbourhood health service. The focus is on responsive, preventative, and coordinated care in people’s homes.

Priorities and actions for social care providers

Social care providers must navigate the Better Care Fund policy framework 2025 to 2026 effectively. Here’s a detailed list of priorities and actions:

• Engage with HWBs: Actively participate with local Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) to develop BCF plans. Work with NHS trusts, community groups, and housing authorities.
• Home First Philosophy: Prioritise service delivery in line with the ‘home first’ goals. Support people to live independently. Reduce the reliance on long-term care homes.
• Service Review: Review your current services. Identify where improvements are needed to support BCF goals.
• Invest in Prevention: Focus on proactive, timely support. Invest in home adaptations and technology.
• Support Carers: Provide support for unpaid carers.
• Improve Discharge Processes: Streamline the transition from hospital to home.
• Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to improve care delivery.
• Monitor Key Metrics: Track metrics for emergency hospital admissions for people over 65. Also monitor discharge delays, and long-term care home admissions. Set targets in line with these metrics with the HWB.
• Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with neighbourhood-based multi-disciplinary teams. Provide integrated and proactive care for those with complex needs.
• Data-Informed Approach: Use data and technology effectively. Deliver person-centred care.
• Adhere to Funding Rules: Comply with funding rules. Include the NHS minimum contribution to adult social care. Also, comply with the grant conditions for the Local Authority Better Care Grant and Disabled Facilities Grant.
• Contribute to Joint Planning: Collaborate with local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Develop joint plans for the BCF.
• Help to develop Intermediate Care Plans: Participate actively in planning intermediate care services. These will help people regain their independence at home.

Understanding the funding

The BCF funding has mandatory contributions from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities. It also includes the Disabled Facilities Grant. The minimum NHS contribution stands at £5,614 million. The Local Authority Better Care Grant is £2,640 million. The Disabled Facilities Grant totals £711 million. Furthermore, the NHS minimum contribution to adult social care must increase by 3.9% in each HWB area.

Reporting and oversight

Local areas must engage with oversight and support processes. Plans will undergo reviews, and local performance against the three headline metrics will be monitored. Areas that do not meet the required standards will receive enhanced oversight and support.

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