Councils' spending on social care examined in report

A new survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has found that just over eight in 10 councils are on course to overspend adult social care budgets.

The report highlights the growing and urgent challenges facing councils as they work to deliver vital care and support services amid unprecedented financial pressures.

It is an annual survey conducted which is sent to every director of Adult Social Services in the 153 English councils with social care responsibilities.

The report indicated that a significant number of councils are being required to make further in-year savings — 35 per cent compared to 19 per cent in 2022. 

These savings come on top of the highest level of planned reductions in eight years, with a projected increase to £1.4 billion in required savings by 2025/26. This severely constrains councils’ ability to invest in essential areas such as workforce development, preventive services, and support for unpaid carers.

UNISON head of care Gavin Edwards said: “The previous government left social care with a staffing crisis and starved councils of the money needed to fund the sector. That’s why the road to recovery will be long and hard.

“The promised fair pay agreement for care is essential if hourly rates are to rise, allowing employers to fill vacancies and keep skilled staff.

“A national care service will also drive up standards and replace the current failing, fragmented and profit-driven system.

“Ministers must realise the urgent need for reform so those who depend on support can get help when they need it.”

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “Councils are facing severe funding and demand pressures, meaning finances are under strain like never before. While the additional £600 million is helpful, rising costs from National Living Wage and employer National Insurance increases are likely to absorb much of the grant. Many councils will have little left to address urgent care challenges, such as long assessment waits or delayed care packages.

“At its best, adult social care supports adults of all ages to live the life they want to lead. But as this vital report highlights, a range of serious concerns that councils have been raising for years remain and a vast majority of councils are now struggling to balance the books. Immediate adequate investment is needed in order to address unmet and under-met need and ensure timely access to social care for all who need it.”