The Government needs to co-create a 10-year plan for adult social care for the upcoming NHS long-term plan to succeed, councils say today.
In its submission to the consultation on the 10-year plan for the health service, the Local Government Association says that a standalone plan which prioritises and recognises the full value of adult social care is crucial to giving the Government’s ambitions for our NHS the best chance of success.
Councils, through their role in public health, social care, housing, transport and leisure, play a central role in supporting and promoting people’s health, wellbeing and independence.
However, years of underfunding and rising demand have left adult social care struggling. In 2023/24, 72 per cent of councils overspent their social care budgets, with many using reserves to cover the shortfall.
The increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will add significant costs for councils and the wider social care sector next year. These pressures, compounded by inflation, demography and National Living Wage rises, are putting vital services at significant risk of collapse.
The three shifts that the Government wants to achieve through the NHS plan include a focus more on prevention, care closer to home, and better use of technology, and with their expertise and experience in supporting communities, councils play a vital role in bringing these shifts to life.
The LGA is urging the Government to make adult social care a key part of its plans so that both the NHS and social care can deliver the best possible outcomes for people.
Councils say that reforms should focus on prevention, early support, and making sure care is centred around individuals’ needs. Investing in early help—like supporting working-age adults with disabilities or children with special needs—can save money in the long run and improve outcomes for people.
In its submission, the LGA also highlights the need for closer working between the NHS, councils, and charities to reduce health inequalities. These inequalities are linked to issues such as poor housing, low incomes, and lack of access to community facilities. Councils are already making a difference in these areas but need more funding and resources to do so effectively.
By fully integrating adult social care into the wider health and care system, councils can ensure that prevention, community-based care, and digital transformation are successful, helping to improve lives and outcomes for people across the country.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It’s good to see the NHS getting a long-term plan, but adult social care needs the same level of focus and commitment at the top of government. A 10-year plan for adult social care is vital to making sure the NHS and social care best work together to improve people’s lives and life chances.
“A plan for adult social care reform isn’t just about funding—it’s about thinking through how the Government works with the public, private and voluntary sectors, the workforce and – crucially – people drawing on care and support, to codesign a new system that helps people live independent, fulfilling lives.
“Councils are ready to play their part in creating a healthier and more independent society, but this won’t happen without proper funding and support for adult social care. An equivalent 10-year plan for adult social care is essential to make sure health and social care services work together to help people and communities thrive.”
