Funding uncertainty and rising support needs: Are we at a breaking point for later life care?

The Norfolk and Waveney Later Life Provider network has published their provider insight report. The report gives a stark view of the current concerns for charities, care providers and other businesses supporting those over 50 across Norfolk.

Drawing on data and insights from 24 local organisations into their work in 2025 and predictions into 2026, consistent themes of funding uncertainty and decreases, to increased operational costs were evident. Coupled with predictions of rising complexity of need and frequency of need, it’s easy to see how many groups are feeling a breaking point. 86% of those surveyed listed funding & income as the biggest risk to their services, and 79% listed operational cost increases as a risk factor.

Investments in care, charity and support sectors offer huge cost benefits for the sector overall. A recent academic analysis undertaken by UEA into Age UK Norwich services for example, showed that for every £1 invested in support, the return on investment on social savings reached as high as £18. Along with continued innovation from members and collaboration to support, there are plenty of opportunities to be found by supporting later life providers. 

However inconsistent funding is creating a risk of failure that could impact the 74,000 + people that access the member services annually. Dan Skipper, Chair of the Later Life Provider Network said: “We are already seeing the impact of funding, over the last few months we have had clients write to MPs about services that have had to finish due to funding, while we face daily requests on social media for more support. Our teams are at capacity and then some, and being asked to provide more and more support with less and less funding.”

Dan Skipper added “we talk so often about investment, but its more about redistribution, investment implies we are spending additional money, but in reality, but redistributing the funds that already exist to support people, we can save money”.

Ian Elliott, Vice Chair added “it’s a broken record, we know, but there will be an inevitable tipping point to all this, the sector needs reform. We just hope that reform comes sooner rather than later”. The report has been circulated to MPs locally for comments and to provide their support in parliament for changes to be made for vital funding to reach those on the front lines of supporting our growing older populations.

Behind the challenges lies real hope: Norfolk’s later life providers already have the solutions, what they need now is the support to keep going. The Later Life Provider network will continue to publicise the findings of their report, encouraging people to invest smarter, support stronger, and protect the services that 74,000 older people rely on every year. The report also shines a light on the incredible services that exist locally, offering a guide to what they offer, how to support them and their incredible local impact.