Norfolk County Council sets out proposed adult social care fee uplift for 2026/27
Norfolk County Council (NCC) has issued formal communication to adult social care providers outlining its proposed fee uplift for 2026/27. Alongside this, NCC has opened a short feedback window ahead of Cabinet decision-making later this month.
This is an important opportunity for providers to ensure their views and evidence are fully considered. Responses received will be summarised in the Cabinet paper, enabling elected Members to take account of the collective position of the sector before a final decision is made.
As the sector’s representative body, we have already fed into NCC’s fee review on behalf of providers. Our full response is available to view here.
What providers need to do
- All providers are strongly encouraged to complete NCC’s survey to share feedback on the proposed uplift.
- Deadline: 9:00am on Monday the 12th of January 2026
Even if you have previously engaged through surveys or sector meetings, this is the final opportunity at this stage to ensure your organisation’s views are formally captured.
Key points from the proposal
- NCC is proposing a 3.2% uplift across all adult social care markets for 2026/27.
- This is below the fully weighted cost pressure uplift, which NCC estimates as 3.53% for most providers and 3.63% for home care providers. This difference is based on an updated weighting of: staff and none staff costs of 70% staff, 30% non staff for most providers, and 75% staff, 25% non-staff for home care providers.
The proposed uplift reflects a range of national pressures, including:
- A 4.1% increase in the National Living Wage
- Forecasted inflation of 2.2%, as set out by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility
NCC has acknowledged that the consultation timetable is tight. This is due to the timing of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and the need to finalise papers for Cabinet consideration.
Why your feedback matters
While provider engagement has already taken place throughout 2025 via surveys and sector meetings, NCC has confirmed that this survey represents the final formal feedback opportunity before Cabinet decision-making.
The volume and quality of responses will be critical in demonstrating the strength and breadth of sector concerns, particularly in the context of ongoing workforce, cost and sustainability pressures.
Key dates for your diary
- Survey closes: 9:00am, 12th January 2026
- Cabinet paper published: 16th January 2026
- Cabinet decision: 26th January 2026
- Outcome communicated to providers: February 2026
Need support?
If you experience any issues accessing the survey, NCC has advised providers to contact:
We urge all providers to take a few minutes to respond to the survey and ensure that the realities facing adult social care services in Norfolk are clearly evidenced at this critical stage.