Only around two thirds of local authorities are confident they will be able to meet all their legal duties under the Care Act by next year, council leaders have warned.
Ten years on from the introduction of the legislation designed to improve access to care and support, the Local Government Association (LGA) has published a new report looking at the state of adult social care.
The report highlights the main issues facing the struggling sector – severe funding shortages, increasing demand, and the challenges around recruitment and retainment in the care workforce.
The LGA also found that eight in 10 councils are forecasting having to divert funds from other services to protect the provision of care.
Cllr David Fothergill, social care spokesperson for the LGA said: ‘We are at a critical point, for people who draw on care, councils, and the sector. Councils are doing all they can to ensure they meet their duties under the Care Act - including cutting spending on other neighbourhood services - but many still fear they will not be able to over the coming years.
‘This simply isn’t good enough. It isn’t good enough for people who draw on care and support and it isn’t good enough for the care workers who work incredibly hard for very little financial reward.
‘Adult social care needs urgent attention. This must be top of the in-tray for any incoming government.’
