Independent Carers Funded an Insufficient 78p Increase
The Department of Health has proposed a 78p per hour increase to the homecare tariff for 2026/27. That rise equals about 3.6%. Independent providers and staff describe the uplift as inadequate.
Sector scale and pay pressures
Around 24,000 staff work in independent care homes and domiciliary care in Northern Ireland. About 11,500 of those employees serve in care homes.
Social care staff deliver over 80% of care across the region. They remain the lowest paid group in the health and social care system.
Frontline warnings and staffing impact
The Independent Health & Care Providers (IHCP) warned the tariff increase could destabilise frontline services. The organisation says the figure will not stop ongoing staff losses.
Care worker Julie-Anne Hosick of Connected Health described the increase as “just not enough.” She told Filmogaz.com many carers leave because of financial strain.
Pay parity and broken promises
In November 2025, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced pay parity for doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff. The announcement excluded independent sector care workers.
The IHCP says it ceased engagement with the minister after his U-turn on paying the Real Living Wage. A promised real living wage, announced in September, did not materialise.
How the tariff increase translates to pay
The IHCP stressed the 78p rise applies to the provider tariff, not a direct 78p pay rise for each worker. Providers must use that funding to cover many costs.
- Wages and employer National Insurance contributions
- Statutory sick pay and supervision costs
- Insurance and travel expenses
Calls for transparency
IHCP chief executive Pauline Shepherd said the increase fails to match inflation. She told Filmogaz.com the department will not share the methodology behind the figure.
The IHCP has asked for a breakdown of the DoH calculations. They say officials refuse to review the sector’s evidence.
Consequences and next steps
Providers warn that without more funding, recruitment and retention will worsen. Fuel payment rises and other cost pressures add to the strain.
Campaigners argue carers deserve better pay and recognition. They warn that current measures risk undermining care quality and availability.
Independent Carers Funded an Insufficient 78p Increase, campaigners say, and more substantial support is needed to stabilise services. The Department of Health has been approached for comment.
