Walfinch CEO Warns of Looming Crisis in Home Care Sector

Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Wantage-based home care franchise Walfinch, has issued a stark warning about the future of the UK home care sector. Speaking during a recent BBC Oxford election debate focused on social care, Dhaliwal highlighted growing financial pressures that could force many local care providers to shut down within the next two years.

With more than half of Oxfordshire County Council’s budget already allocated to adult and children’s social care, the system remains under considerable strain. Rising wage costs and national insurance contributions are squeezing already thin margins for independent care providers across the country.

We need to pay sensible rates to providers

Dhaliwal, whose company operates a network of home care franchises, said current funding levels are unsustainable. “We’ve got an ageing population — it will just continue to grow and that will really cause a problem for hospital discharges, for people trying to come back home, unless we pay home care providers sensible rates,” he explained.

He emphasised the need for urgent investment to ensure people can be supported safely in their own homes, especially as demand for care continues to rise.

The vital role of home care in easing NHS pressures

Walfinch, which delivers personalised care-at-home services across the UK, has long advocated for greater support for domiciliary care providers. Dhaliwal believes that investing in quality home care can ease pressure on hospitals and improve outcomes for patients.

Good home care isn’t just compassionate, it’s cost-effective. Supporting people to live independently at home can prevent hospital readmissions and reduce reliance on more expensive residential care.

Franchising offers sustainable solution for social care

Walfinch has grown rapidly in recent years by franchising its model to local entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable and community-focused approach to care delivery. The franchise supports its partners with training, recruitment, and operational guidance, helping to ensure high standards across the board.

With social care funding firmly back in the spotlight during the run-up to the May local elections, Dhaliwal’s message is clear: home care needs proper recognition and fair funding.

As local councils face difficult decisions about future priorities, Walfinch and others in the sector are calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable people and secure the long-term future of care at home.