Sixteen English councils spend more than 80% of core funding on social care
Summary
Sixteen English councils spent more than 80% of their main budgets on social care for adults and children last year, putting financial pressure on other services. The rising costs are due to an aging population, inflation, and more demand for children’s care. The UK government plans to create a new National Care Service after the next election to address these problems.Key Facts
- Councils spent a total of £42.8 billion on social care in 2025-26, which was nearly 72% of their main budget.
- Adult social care used 44.5% and children’s services 27.4% of councils’ core spending.
- In 2017-18, social care took up 62.4% of core council spending, showing a significant increase by 2025-26.
- Halton council spent the highest share at 92.9% of its budget on social care but is facing financial problems despite cutting costs and selling assets.
- Many councils had to ask the government for permission to borrow money to cover daily costs.
- Adult social care budgets were overspent by £715 million in 2025-26, with plans to save £909 million through higher charges and service cuts.
- The government is speeding up an independent review of social care, expected next year, which will help design the new National Care Service.
- The increase in spending is due to a higher number of people needing long-term care, unlike earlier years when spending mainly increased due to higher fees paid to providers.
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