iCG writes to Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer

Honorary President and former Chair of the Independent Care Group (iCG), Mike Padgham, has written to the Chancellor urging the government to support social care in the forthcoming budget.

The letter reads:

Dear Chancellor 

Re: The Urgent Need for Support for the Social Care Sector in the Forthcoming Budget 

I am writing to you as Honorary President and former Chair of the Independent Care Group, and as someone who has spent many years advocating for a fair, sustainable and respected social care sector. I do so with respect for the significant economic pressures facing the Government, but also with deep concern for the situation now confronting social care providers across the country. 

The pressures facing the sector are unprecedented. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and long-term underfunding have created conditions that many providers can no longer withstand. Without targeted support in this Budget, we will see more care homes and homecare providers closing their doors

. 

This is not only a social crisis, it is an economic one.

Skills for Care’s latest report highlights the enormous contribution that social care makes to the UK economy. In 2024/25, the sector contributed £77.8 billion to the economy and supported around 1.60 million filled posts. Social care is not a burden; it is a major economic asset, underpinning communities and enabling millions to remain in work. 

A stable and sustainable social care system is essential to the NHS. When providers struggle or close, hospital discharge slows, beds are blocked, and pressure grows across the health system. Investment in social care is, therefore, not only the right thing to do, it is fundamental to any long-term NHS strategy.

Chancellor, this Budget presents a crucial opportunity to stabilise and strengthen the sector. We are not asking for extravagance; we are asking for recognition and fair support.

We need a budget that:

• prevents further provider failures

•. strengthens and values the workforce

• supports providers to meet rising costs sustainably; and

• acknowledges social care as a significant economic driver.

Providers are doing everything they can, but resilience alone cannot carry the sector any further. Without action, closures will accelerate and the consequences will be immediate, felt by families, by the NHS, and by the UK economy. 

I urge you to take these concerns into account in your forthcoming Budget. Social care has the potential to be one of the UK’s greatest strengths, but it urgently needs your support. 

Thank you for your time and attention. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues further with you or your officials.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Padgham

Honorary President iCG

Mike Padgham named Honorary President of the Independent Care Group after more than 20 years as Chair

Yorkshire, UK — Following a management restructure, Yorkshire care association The Independent Care Group (iCG) has appointed Mike Padgham as its Honorary President, recognising more than two decades of outstanding leadership as Chair and his tireless commitment to championing providers, people who draw on care, and the social care workforce.

John Pattinson, Chief Executive of iCG, said: “We’re delighted that Mike Padgham has accepted the role of Honorary President. His 20+ years of service as Chair and his unwavering advocacy — from standing up for fair funding to pushing for reform — have shaped ICG’s reputation as a constructive, solutions-driven partner. His insight will continue to guide our work.”

“I’m honoured to take on this role,” said Mike Padgham. “iCG has always been a voice for providers on the front line and for the families who rely on them every day. As Honorary President I’ll continue to support members locally and nationally — and I’ll keep lobbying for earlier, bolder social care reform that matches the scale of need. Delays cost people, families, and communities; we have to move faster.”

Paying tribute to iCG’s Chief Executive, Mike added: “I want to thank John Pattinson for his sterling work in setting the Association on a new course. John’s focus on practical support for providers, honest dialogue with councils and Government, and a relentless drive for solutions is exactly what the sector needs.”

Media contact

ICG Press Office

Email: brianjohnson@independentcaregroup.co.uk   Phone: 07970777312

johnpattinson@independentcaregroup.co.uk   Phone: 07956 484754

mikepadgham@independentcaregroup.co.uk   Phone: 07971 111062

iCG announces new management arrangements

For many years, iCG’s management structure has relied upon volunteers to be company directors and participate as a fully functioning board, with support from a Chief Executive Officer and staff. This model has been successful, but not without challenges for those volunteering their time. They were taking on the corporate responsibility of a company director for iCG in addition to managing their own busy workload or care business.

Following a review of the management arrangements, iCG will be restructuring into a single director arrangement. This director will be John Pattinson, the current Chief Executive Officer. John has considerable experience within iCG and across the wider health and care system.

Current Chairman Mike Padgham, will continue working closely with John and the iCG in a new role as Honorary President.

This new arrangement will mean that current volunteers will not have any conflict of interest as both a company director of iCG and having their own care business. It also means that those who volunteer their time to advise and help steer the direction of the organisation can do so without the added burden of holding corporate responsibility for iCG.

What does that mean for you our subscribers?

“As far as our subscribers are concerned, there will be no change,” said new Managing Director John Pattinson. “The full range of membership services will continue and, as we have over the last few years, we will continue to grow that offer.”

He explained there would be some new opportunities for those interestied in supporting iCG. “You could volunteer by joining one of our steering groups involved in the direction of iCG. These steering groups will be focused around the service types that represent our subscribers, whether that be Day Care, Supported Living, Home Care or Care Homes and specialist services.”

New bursary

In a new initiative to be introduced, subscribers will have the chance to nominate an individual for a new award, named for the new Honorary President. ”iCG has a great legacy but we are always looking to the future,” said John. “With that in mind, I am honoured to announce the Mike Padgham Bursary, which will be available to apply for annually. It’s worth £1000 and will give the successful applicant access to a range of training provided by the iCG Training Academy.”

“As always, we are grateful for the support of our subscribers,” said John, “and we look forward to continuing to represent the independent social care providers across our region.”

Media contact

ICG Press Office

Email: brianjohnson@independentcaregroup.co.uk   Phone: 07970777312

johnpattinson@independentcaregroup.co.uk   Phone: 07956 484754