CareCubed Version 18 launched

CareCubed is updated twice annually to ensure the figures and assumptions behind the model are as accurate as possible. The most recent release, containing some important data updates and functional changes, went live on 2nd April.

One of the main data updates for Version 18 has been to reflect the increase in National Living Wage (NLW). Sherif Attia, Director of Delivery & Design at iESE Innovation, said the two recent increases have resulted in a compression of pay rates across staff roles.

A large proportion staff in this sector are paid around the minimum rate. When that increases it impacts the lowest paid workers but also the differentials between the roles. The two big consecutive NMW increases have resulted in a squeezing of rates into narrower band as employers contended with a higher base rate.

Whilst children’s care sector employees have historically been paid more than those in adult care, Attia said this differential is also decreasing. “In 2020, the difference was around 5.46 per cent and in 2023 it had come down to around 2.9 per cent. Where previously there were slightly higher rates of pay in children’s, this is now narrowing. They are still being paid more, but less than they were three years ago. This fits with the wider trend, which is where there are significant leaps in the NMW and firms are heavily exposed in terms of the proportion of their workforce being paid around the base rate, you are seeing a compression for higher paid workers as companies struggle to maintain pay differentials.” he added.

The latest model shows a small uplift in food costs of +0.5 percent from Version 17 (released November 2023), while the cost of social activities, transport and utilities have fallen back slightly. There has been no change to phone and broadband costs and a very slight reduction in insurance (-0.2 per cent) and recruitment and staff training costs (-0.1 per cent).

Version 18 also incorporates a series of functional changes aimed at improving the tool for users. Following a consultation with Children’s CareCubed users, we have introduced the ability to create an ‘express’ case by entering the minimum amount of information required to generate a calculation. This allows for a quicker completion of the case but does not include a comprehensive needs breakdown. Users can easily convert an express case to a full CareCubed case quickly and simply.

Another change is the addition of a new benchmark value introduced under Support from Other Professionals for Positive Behavioural Support. This enhanced allowance is to be included where individuals have challenging behaviours and are in receipt of Positive Behavioural Support services. We will be undertaking a period of consultation and collecting feedback on this new offering throughout the year, with a view to providing an interim update to the data model in 2024. Local Housing Allowance rates have also been introduced as an alternative means and proxy to calculate either the rental or return on capital cost components of care packages.

Updated versions of CareCubed are released twice annually. We are changing our updates and interim update schedule in line with customer feedback. The next interim update will take place late September/early October, with the annual data update in 2025 pulled forward to the start of March to allow users to make projections for the new financial year using the latest figures.

“Updates are provided at no extra cost to our customers twice a year,” explained Attia, “We work hard to ensure the benchmarks we provide are up to date and reflective of the current market so any assumptions we have set out in the model are reflective of how care is being delivered. To get involved with the consultation on Positive Behavioural Support, or to make any other requests regarding CareCubed, please contact the CareCubed team.”

For more information about the CareCubed update visit: www.carecubed.org