Care and Support Rates

Understanding how we set rates and what they support

At Equal Care, we strive to ensure that our care and support rates are fair, transparent, and sustainable for everyone involved. Our approach considers the needs of both those receiving support and those providing it, aiming to balance affordability with fair compensation.

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Rate Structure

Independent Workers

Self-employed care and support workers set their own rates, typically ranging between £18.50 and £22.50 per hour. This range accounts for their responsibilities, including taxes, pension contributions, and unpaid time for training, travel, and administration.

Employed Workers

Employees receive a fixed annual salary based on the Real Living Wage. As of April 2025, this is:

• £24,570 per year (full-time equivalent)

• Equivalent to £12.60 per contracted hour

• Reflecting a care hour rate between £20.66 and £15.75, depending on visit length and type

This salary includes paid time for travel, training, peer supervision, meetings and other duties beyond direct care.

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Commons Contribution

To sustain the co-operative’s operations and infrastructure, a portion of the hourly rate is allocated as a Commons Contribution:

• For Independent Workers: A percentage (7.5%) is deducted from their hourly rate and 17.5% is added onto their rate that's paid by people getting support. Where Equal Care is contracted to provide support at a flat rate, independent workers fees are capped.

• For Employed Workers: The contribution is built into the rate charged to the person receiving support.

This contribution supports a wide range of cooperative functions, including:

• Administrative services (e.g. finance, HR, payroll)

• Maintaining and developing our tech platform

• Training and coaching

• Provision of PPE and care-related resources

• Governance, AGM costs, and member communications

• Participation in Local Circles and team roles

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Affordability and Fairness

We recognise the financial pressures faced by many individuals and families in need of care. Our aim is to offer rates that are fair to workers while remaining accessible to those receiving support.

Where local authorities offer direct payments below our standard charges, we work with them (and the people they fund) to find collaborative solutions that protect the quality and continuity of care.

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Transparency and Collaboration

We believe in openness about how our rates are calculated and what they make possible. If you’re working on something similar and would like to learn more, please contact us at [email protected]. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned.

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Disclaimer: These figures were accurate as of June 2025 and reflect Equal Care Co-op’s published rates at the time. For the most current figures, please contact us directly.