Around 81 per cent of councils expect to overspend their adult social care budgets this year – up from 72 per cent last year, according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
ADASS’s annual autumn survey of adult social care directors in England also found that 35 per cent are being required to make further in-year cuts, with an estimated total overspend of £564 million.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “While the additional £600 million [announced in the Budget] is helpful, rising costs from National Living Wage and employer National Insurance increases are likely to absorb much of the grant.
“Many councils will have little left to address urgent care challenges, such as long assessment waits or delayed care packages.
“As this vital report highlights, serious concerns that councils have been raising for years remain and a vast majority of councils are now struggling to balance the books.
“Immediate adequate investment is needed to address unmet and under-met need, and ensure timely access to social care for all who need it.”
