In a groundbreaking study released by the County Councils Network (CCN), alarming new insights reveal the significant financial and social pressures facing social care systems dedicated to working-age and lifelong disabled adults in England. The study, conducted in partnership with Newton and unveiled at this week’s CCN Annual Conference 2024, emphasises the urgent need for tailored reforms and increased governmental support.

While public attention often gravitates towards elder care, this new analysis illuminates a glaring reality: two-thirds of adult social care commissioning budgets are currently allocated to adults under the age of 65 who are disabled. This demographic, despite making up just 40% of all adult social care service users, incurs an estimated £11 billion in care costs annually—an increase of one-third over the past five years alone.

Key Findings:

• The costs of care for working-age and lifelong disabled adults have surged by 32% in the last five years, significantly outpacing the expenditure for elderly care.
• These adults face increased complexity in their needs, which has led to a dramatic rise in care placement costs by 32% on average, particularly for those with acute learning disabilities.

The CCN report projects that without significant reform, care and support spending for this group could exceed £17 billion by 2030, marking a 50% increase from current levels. This escalation is driven by the rising costs of placements and the inadequate housing options available, which often force councils to rely on expensive out-of-area placements.

Councillor Martin Tett, CCN Adult Social Care Spokesperson, highlighted the critical nature of these findings at the conference. He stressed the dichotomy facing these often overlooked individuals—between their increasing financial burden on local councils and their substantial contributions to community enrichment when adequately supported.

Policy Recommendations:

• A significant increase in funding to meet the rising costs of care and ensure the safety and quality of support services.
• A review of funding arrangements and a push for innovative housing solutions to promote independence and reduce costs.
• Enhanced integration of education and employment opportunities to improve life outcomes for working-age disabled adults.

The CCN urges the government to consider these findings in their deliberations on the proposed National Care Service, advocating for a system that goes beyond mere slogans to one that genuinely supports one of society's most vulnerable groups.

The full report, titled "The Forgotten Story of Social Care," can be accessed and downloaded HERE. This document provides a detailed analysis of the current challenges and additionally offers a blueprint for meaningful reform to improve the lives of working-age and lifelong disabled adults across the country.