LABOUR councillors have hit out at the Government for omitting carers from the public sector workers in line for a pay rise.

Almost 900,000 public sector workers are to get an above-inflation pay rise, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak saying he recognised their “vital contribution” during the coronavirus pandemic.

Teachers in England, and dentists and doctors across the UK will see the largest increases at 3.1 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively.

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Nurses are not included as they negotiated a separate three-year deal in 2018.

Carers, many of whom have been on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic, have also been left out.

Kit Malthouse, the crime and policing minister, told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme that the Government’s ability to influence pay rates is “limited,” as the vast majority of social care workers are paid in the private sector.

Many care providers, however, are commissioned by the local authority, while some care is delivered direct by the council.

Speaking at the People’s Board this week, Cllr Marlene Quinn, St Helens Borough Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said there needs to be parity for adult social care with the NHS.

“I’m extremely proud of all of our carers,” Cllr Quinn said on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, we have a Government that, it can clap its hands on a certain night of the week, it can give it lip-service.

“But yesterday, pay awards was announced for public sectors, but the care sector – the one that local government actually commission or deliver themselves – wasn’t recognised in that.

“Moving forward, councils all over the country are going to have to make some very, very unpalatable decisions.

“And I think we all need to do whatever we can with Government or to Government, in lobbying for parity for adult social care and fair funding for that to be delivered for every individual that requires it.”

Cllr Quinn’s comments were echoed by council leader David Baines, who said the carers need fair pay and are “well overdue a pay rise”.

St Helens Star: Cllr Marlene Quinn, St Helens Borough Council cabinet member for adult social care and health Cllr Marlene Quinn, St Helens Borough Council cabinet member for adult social care and health

The Labour councillors were speaking at the People’s Board, as a report was presented that sets out a range of measures to support the adult social care provider market in the months ahead.

Rachel Cleal, director of adult services, thanked the 3,300 care workers who have continued to deliver care to the most vulnerable throughout the pandemic, saying she has been “personally floored by the continued commitment and dedication of the carers that work in our borough.”

Ms Cleal said the report outlines the financial challenges faced by care providers in the borough as a consequence of COVID-19, and sets out the approach council and St Helens CCG have taken to support the sector.

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The council has an obligation to ensure that contracted adult social care services remain financially sustainable, and over the past ten weeks, officers have worked with providers and the wider health and care system to understand and respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

The report says that, in line with government objectives, the council are committed to meeting the totality of the costs associated with COVID-19.

Ms Cleal said another report will be brought to the People’s Board soon to look at the sustainability of the sector over the next 6 to 12 months.