Directors of Adult Social Services report 30% increase in high-cost social care packages for young people

These are the findings of a new survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), published today (25 November).

According to ADASS, the sharp increase is driven by a combination of the growing complexity of care and support needs, the transfer of support from health to local government care “without associated funding”, pressures on local government finances and workforce challenges.

The Autumn Survey, published ahead of the Budget, also found that:

• Directors are estimating the largest overspend at this point of the year in the post Covid-19 era, with a projected £623 million overspend for 2025/26.
• Significant savings will be required from next year’s adult social care budgets, totalling £869 million savings in 2026/27.
• The Government move to neighbourhood health means adult social care needs a strong voice, yet a third of directors (34%) say they have very little or no influence over Integrated Care System structures.
• In terms of healthcare tasks being delegated to adult social care staff, half of directors said that they do not have an agreement in place with health partners on funding, training or competency frameworks for staff.

In light of its findings, the Association has called on the UK Treasury for investment in preparation for adulthood, including “aligned statutory guidance” across the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department of Education and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and “a national set of standards developed with young people and families”.

Further, it has called for:

• Stabilisation funding for care markets and support for workforce retention as the Government phases out international recruitment.
• Full funding for the Fair Pay Agreement implementation and other cost pressures arising from the Employment Rights Bill, so that funding pay increases doesn’t fall to councils who are already under strain.

Jess McGregor, ADASS President and Executive Director Adults and Health at Camden Council, said: “Councils overspending on adult social care isn’t about abstract numbers — it’s about the unmet needs of real people. Nowhere is this more evident than for young adults with complex needs, […] whose care and support ensures they can live full and independent lives.

“The underfunding of adult social care is forcing councils to make impossible choices – trying to balance financial sustainability with doing the right thing for those who rely on us.”

Responding to the Autumn Survey, Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “This important annual survey strongly reinforces the hard work of councils doing all they can to ensure everyone who draws on care and support can live independent lives.

“But the overspend is also another reminder of the huge financial pressure councils are under, and the incredibly difficult decisions they are having to make about care, just to ensure they are meeting their statutory responsibilities."

Cllr Taylor added: “The rise in the number [of] requests for high-cost care for younger working age people is a message to us all, that social care is about everyone and effects all of us, directly or indirectly.

“We desperately need the sector to be put on a sustainable financial footing to ensure that people do not suffer and everyone who draws on care and support can access what they need.”

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson