Contractor rates across reactive maintenance trades have risen an average 6.2% in 2026. Operators still benchmarking to 2024 rates will find contractors declining work at below-market rates or substituting cheaper materials.
Why this matters
Budget assumptions built on outdated SOR rates create an unplanned shortfall within the year. The 6.2% uplift should be reflected in your current financial year maintenance budget.
What to do
- 1Update your internal maintenance cost benchmarks to reflect the 2026 contractor rates uplifted rates.
- 2Review any long-term contracts that reference SOR pricing ensure they include the correct annual uplift clause.
- 3If your maintenance budget has not been revised, flag the shortfall to your finance team now.
Primary source
Care Sector Contractor Survey 2026
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