Why Our Private Care Rates Are Changing – A Commitment to Quality and Fairness

At Bespoke Care and Support Services, our mission is to provide care that is not just dependable, but personal, dignified, and truly bespoke. For many of our clients receiving private care packages, we know how important it is to feel secure in the value and consistency of the service you receive.

As a locally run, independent provider of homecare in Huddersfield, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care to individuals and families across Kirklees. That commitment means being open about the challenges facing the sector, and the steps we’re taking to continue offering the level of care you’ve come to expect from us.

Why Are Private Care Rates Increasing?

From 12th May 2025, our private care rates will increase slightly across weekdays, weekends, and bank holidays. This decision has not been made lightly, but it reflects the growing cost of delivering safe, responsive, and high-quality domiciliary care in today’s climate.

Over the past year, core employment costs have risen significantly. Increases in the National Living Wage, higher National Insurance contributions, and wider inflationary pressures all directly affect how we operate. As a care provider, a large proportion of our income goes directly into our team — from salaries to training, to the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

We’re proud to say that we pay our carers fairly for the essential work they do. Our staff are the heartbeat of our service, and ensuring they feel supported, skilled, and valued is vital to maintaining high standards of personal care for every client.

We Acknowledge the Wider Picture

We want to take a moment to recognise the continued support of Kirklees Council and the Huddersfield & Calderdale NHS Trust. Both organisations increased their hourly rates for commissioned services by 6% this year, and we appreciate their efforts to support care providers in a very challenging environment. These increases help improve the sustainability of publicly funded care — something that benefits the entire sector.

That said, private care clients often have different needs and expectations, and delivering a bespoke, flexible, and highly responsive service requires a different scale of investment. We do not receive block funding or subsidies. Every hour of private care must fully fund the support staff, back-office operations, training, insurance, equipment, and compliance required to keep our service safe and effective.

The Homecare Association recently published a recommended minimum fee of £32.14 per hour for 2025–26, rising to £33.87 if aiming to match NHS Band 3 equivalent wages. Our new private care rates remain below that benchmark while still allowing us to invest directly into your care — from regular carer continuity, to real-time support, to transparent communication with our management team.

What Are the New Rates?

As of 12th May 2025, private care rates will be:

• £29.00 per hour (Monday–Friday)

• £31.00 per hour (Weekends)

• £39.50 per hour (Bank Holidays)

These changes are designed to ensure your service remains consistent, professional, and rooted in the values that matter most — compassion, safety, and respect.

Our Promise to You

We remain fully committed to ensuring that what you pay reflects the care you receive. Our focus is on delivering a service that supports your independence, your wellbeing, and your right to remain in control of your life.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or suggestions, we welcome your feedback. Your views help us shape a better, more responsive service — and we’re always happy to talk.

You can reach us on 01484 483073. Thank you, as always, for your trust in us. Whether we’re supporting you, your loved one, or someone you know in the community, we’re proud to continue providing private care in Huddersfield that puts people first.