Provider resilience payments In April, East Sussex County Council Adult Social Care and Health Department agreed a range of resilience payments to support local social care providers through the COVID-19 crisis. These payments were based on previous payment period averages and activity levels. In June, East Sussex was allocated £10,737,440 of the national Infection Control Fund established to fight COVID-19 infections in care homes. In accordance with the fund conditions, 75% of the allocated funding has been paid to care homes within the local authority’s geographical area on a ‘per beds’ basis, including to social care providers with whom the council does not have existing contracts. A range of other providers are receiving remaining 25% Infection Control Fund to support wider workforce resilience in relation to COVID-19 infection control. The payments to home care, extra care, supported living and shared lives are being made in four instalments with two remaining payments week commencing 21 September and week commencing 19 October. At the time of writing we are not aware of any commitment to continue the Infection Control Fund or other funding allocations to support social care providers. We are aware that the Adult Social Care Task Force is currently drawing together proposals for winter. The Task Force reports to the Minister of State for Care and has been established to ensure that ‘concerted and determined action is taken to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the sector, both for those who rely on care and support and the social care workforce.’ Our working assumption is that any potential funding for ongoing COVID-19 pressures will result from the Task Force proposals.  As soon as we become aware of any firm commitments, we will share them with you. We recognise that the challenges of delivering social care services during COVID-19 remain and that they vary according to the type of services and support provided.  We will continue to work with you to support your ongoing service delivery in accordance with current COVID-19 guidance.