Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry: Adult Social Care Reform - The Cost of Inaction
This evidence was submitted to the Health and Social Care Select Committee's inquiry on the failure to reform adult social care.
Here, we set out evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee on the escalating costs of failing to reform adult social care.
Representing the largest social care authorities in England, we warn that rising demand, workforce shortages, and unfunded pressures now threaten the financial sustainability of councils and the effectiveness of wider public services.
Reform efforts must go further than a focus on funding and charging models. They must also consider eligibility and operational models, with a focus on prevention, workforce resilience, housing, technology and long‑term sustainability.
Key findings include:
- Adult social care demand and costs are rising sharply, with CCN areas facing a 58% increase in spending need by 2030.
- Workforce shortages remain severe, with 65,000 vacancies in county areas.
- Working‑age adults now account for 63% of all social care costs, with expenditure rising by over a third in three years.
- Failure to invest in prevention increases pressures on the NHS, including delays in hospital discharge.
- Recommendations include: Prioritising long‑term, sustainable funding to stabilise the system.
- Investing in prevention, community‑based care, and appropriate housing.
- Delivering a comprehensive workforce strategy that addresses pay, recruitment and retention. Reforming support for working age and lifelong disabled adults, including through housing.
- Expand the use of technology and data to improve outcomes and reduce costs.