Cornwall’s care sector is worth nearly £1 billion a year

A new report puts a figure on something that usually goes unmeasured: what adult social care is actually worth to Cornwall. The answer sits just short of £1 billion a year, and the sector employs more people than most of us would guess.

What the report found

The study, carried out by Alma Economics and commissioned by Cornwall Council, sets out the economic and social value of adult social care across the county. It found the sector contributes around £991 million in economic value and supports about 22,700 full-time equivalent jobs, whether people are employed directly within care or through the supply of goods and services.

That figure stretches further than the care homes and support workers most people picture. The sector props up thousands more jobs through local businesses and supply chains, from training providers and transport services to equipment suppliers and community organisations.

The report also looked at return on investment. For every £1 put into adult social care, it found £2.37 of social and economic value is generated, slightly above the national average. That includes improved wellbeing for people receiving care, along with support for families and unpaid carers.

A case for more government money

Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna, said the findings show why the sector matters well beyond the front line.

“The findings underline the sector’s importance, not only as a vital public service but also as a major source of employment, with demand for services expected to increase significantly over the coming decade as the population ages,” he said.

“We now have some compelling evidence to help us in lobbying central government to invest more in adult social care.”

Growing room for careers

With demand climbing, care employers across Cornwall are putting more into professional development, qualifications and progression. The report points to a wide spread of career routes, taking in residential care, domiciliary care, specialist support, management, training and leadership roles.

Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Economy and Skills, Cllr Tim Dwelly, said the case for backing the workforce goes beyond the people who rely on the services.

“The findings make clear that investing in social care is not only the right thing to do for those who rely on these services, but also delivers wider benefits for our economy, our communities and the resilience of Cornwall as a whole,” he said.

“As Cornwall plans for the future, investing in the care workforce will be critical to supporting local communities, strengthening the economy and ensuring residents can access the care and support they need.”

You can read the full Alma Economics report on the value of adult social care in Cornwall.