Local Authority Rates Information

Rate Trends Over Time - Comparing All Reference Rates

This chart shows how all three reference rates have changed over time. Note that the Homecare Association rate is typically higher as it includes operational costs beyond wages (travel, mileage, training, etc.).

Scottish Government Mandated Minimum Rates

Historical progression of minimum rates for social care workers in commissioned services

Real Living Wage History

Independently calculated Real Living Wage rates (voluntary, not government-mandated)

Homecare Association Minimum Price Recommendations

Recommended minimum prices local authorities should pay to providers (covers wages, travel, mileage, and on-costs)

Understanding the Relationship Between Reference Rates

These three reference rates serve different purposes in the social care sector and are often used together to inform contract pricing:

• Scottish Government Minimum: The legally mandated minimum hourly rate for social care workers in commissioned services. This is the baseline that all providers must meet.
• Real Living Wage: A voluntary rate independently calculated based on the cost of living. Many providers choose to pay this rate (or higher) to demonstrate their commitment to fair pay and attract quality staff.
• Homecare Association Recommended: The minimum price local authorities should pay to providers per hour. This rate is typically higher than wage rates because it includes not just wages, but also travel time, mileage costs, training, supervision, and other operational overheads that providers incur.

Why compare them? Understanding all three rates helps providers and commissioners negotiate fair contracts. The HCA rate being higher than wage rates reflects the true cost of delivering quality care, including all the necessary support costs beyond direct wages.