Understanding and addressing extraction in the North West care system

Care is not a marginal service used by a small part of society. At some point in our lives, many of us — or those closest to us — will rely on care and support. How public money flows through the care system is therefore not simply a technical or financial issue, but a question of dignity, trust and social responsibility.

Funded by the North West Regional Leaders Board, the report analyses financial extraction within the North West England care system, revealing significant public funds diverted away from frontline services toward profits, dividends, and debt servicing. It highlights the impact on workforce pay and conditions and calls for national reforms to reduce extraction and improve care quality and sustainability.