The number of new requests for adult social care support have hit an unprecedented two million, a health and social care charity has revealed.
The Kings Fund annual social care report paints a picture of a social care system that is ‘under intense pressure’.
The charity found that requests for support were equivalent to nearly 5,500 requests every day.
It also revealed that the cost to local authorities of purchasing care continues to increase faster than inflation, with average weekly fees rising from £670 in 2015-16 to £840 in 2022-23.
The social care workforce vacancy rate is still at its second highest-ever level, despite the arrival of around 70,000 overseas workers, according to the report’s findings.
Simon Bottery, senior fellow at The King’s Fund, said that Governments had ‘consistently dodged or delayed’ social care reform.
‘There are severe financial pressures on local authorities, who fund adult social care, and no sign that national government will step in to help. Nor is there a credible longer-term plan to recruit and retain the staff needed.’
Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, adult social care spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA), said: ‘This important annual report highlight the perilous state of adult social care. It is disappointing and concerning that the Budget provided no new money for these under pressure services, despite an increased demand for them.
‘We need to see further urgent investment in adult social care and a boost to the workforce, to ensure the best possible care for those that draw on it.’
