As we move towards the government’s 2025 to 2026 budget announcements, there’s a renewed focus on how councils and care providers can continue delivering safe, high quality care under increasing financial pressure. With costs rising, demand growing, and local authorities stretched to breaking point, the question many care providers are asking is simple:

How do we stay compliant, efficient, and financially stable when everything around us is getting tougher?

That’s where smart workforce management becomes more important than ever.

Funding Is Increasing, But So Are Pressures

This year’s Social Care Grant will rise to £5.7 billion, an increase of £680 million compared to last year Source: gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-finance-policy-statement-2025-to-2026/local-government-finance-policy-statement-2025-to-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com

On paper, that sounds promising. In reality, councils are still struggling:

Local authorities overspent by £774 million on adult social care in 2024 to 2025 Source: LGC https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/service-reform/social-care-overspend-hits-774m-15-07-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Care providers are also feeling the pressure from wage increases, insurance rises, and operational costs that continue to climb. Even with more funding, many feel they are falling behind.

The Homecare Association recently warned that many local contracts still do not meet the real cost of care delivery Source: Homecare Association https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/resource/homecare-association-says-government-choices-risk-collapse-of-vital-services.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The message is clear. Funding alone will not fix the gap. Efficiency has to come from somewhere else.

Why Workforce Technology Matters Now More Than Ever

This is where platforms like JMS One can make a real difference. In a sector where every minute and every mile matters, workforce tech is no longer a luxury. It is a critical part of staying sustainable.

Smarter rotas Our rota optimisation shifts, ensures compliance, and helps limit costly agency usage.

Better compliance control JMS One tracks everything in one place, from training to DBS checks. When everything is centralised, audits become easier, less stressful, and far more predictable.

Stronger oversight and accountability Real time data means managers know what’s happening across their service without having to chase updates. Staff stay informed, and teams stay connected.

Admin reduced The average care manager spends 5 hours a week just sorting rotas. With JMS One, many cut that down to around 5 minutes.

In a financial climate where time equals money, that matters.

Looking Ahead: Stability Through Smart Systems

Budgets may increase again. Or they may tighten. Contract rates may improve. Or they may stay flat.

What providers can rely on, however, is the value of strong internal systems.

Workforce management tools, smart scheduling, compliance automation and accurate reporting all help providers protect themselves from volatility and prepare for whatever comes next.

JMS One gives you the stability, efficiency, and clarity you need, regardless of what happens in the budget.

Final Thought

The care sector is entering another year of financial uncertainty. Providers who embrace the right systems now will find themselves better equipped to improve quality, manage risk, and remain compliant while keeping costs under control.

If you want to see how JMS One can support your service in meeting these challenges, we are always happy to walk you through it.

Book a quick 15-minute demo and see what’s possible.