The ADASS Autumn Survey 2024, conducted by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, reveals significant challenges in adult social care across England. The survey, with a high response rate from councils, highlights escalating financial pressures, the need for workforce investment, and barriers to preventive care.

A critical finding is the severe strain on council budgets for adult social care. An overwhelming 81% of councils anticipate overspending this year, up from 72% last year, amounting to an estimated £564 million. This overspend reflects a worsening trend due to rising care demands and chronic funding shortages. Additionally, nearly 35% of councils have been required to make in-year cuts to meet budget constraints—a nearly twofold increase from 2022. Looking ahead, planned reductions are expected to increase by 55%, with required savings projected to reach £1.4 billion by 2025/26.

The report also illustrates how financial constraints are limiting councils' ability to invest in preventive services that could alleviate future demands on health and social care systems. Limited budgets, coupled with competing service priorities and delays in hospital discharge, are forcing many councils to focus on critical needs, hindering the shift from reactive to preventive care.

Additionally, the survey stresses the urgent need to address workforce shortages, particularly in social care and allied health professions. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other key professionals are essential to transitioning toward a community-based care model, a priority in the government's strategic healthcare vision. However, without sufficient workforce investment, the goal of moving from hospital-cantered to community-based care remains difficult to achieve.

The Better Care Fund (BCF) is highlighted as a vital financial resource for sustaining adult social care services. However, ADASS calls for future frameworks to prioritise preventive care, which could reduce future costs and improve outcomes. To make the BCF more effective, ADASS also recommends aligning policy updates with council budget cycles, allowing councils to plan and deliver services more effectively.

Finally, the survey addresses the role of integrated data in enhancing health and social care services, particularly through the use of Client Level Data (CLD). This data has the potential to significantly improve care delivery and policy decisions. Yet, to fully unlock its potential, councils need further support in accessing and utilising integrated health and social care data.

In response to these findings, the Rural Services Network (RSN) joins ADASS in urging the government to take steps to stabilise adult social care funding. Rural councils, which face additional logistical and financial challenges, are especially vulnerable under current pressures. Increased resources are essential to ensure equitable access to high-quality care across all regions.

For those interested in exploring the full details and findings, the ADASS Autumn Survey 2024 is available for download, along with key messages and survey results.