The number of councils unable to provide care for people with 'low' or 'moderate' needs is on the rise, according to service directors.
A survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) suggests the number of local authorities offering support to residents outside of 'substantial' and 'critical' bands has fallen by 17% over the past five years.
Figures suggest half a million people who would have qualified for care in 2009 are no longer entitled to it.
ADASS claims adult social care services have made budget savings of more than a quarter over the past four years, while councils have raised the proportion of overall spending on services for older and vulnerable adults five points to 35%.
'Local authorities have done much to manage this increased need creatively, and with fewer resources, by giving better advice and information; more services to help people get back on their feet after illness (reablement); better support to carers; better use of technology; better working with communities to increase voluntary effort; a creative use of personal budgets, and working better, in a more joined up and integrated way, with health partners,' said ADASS president David Pearson.
'Unfortunately, the cuts have also meant that we have had to raise eligibility thresholds.'
