Investing in preventative support in social care could significantly improve lives and save £3.17 for every £1 spent, according to a report from the LGA and sector leaders.
The study, published at November’s National Children and Adult Services Conference in Liverpool, estimates £11.1 billion in potential public savings if preventative measures are scaled nationwide.
It highlights and costs proactive interventions – such as housing-related support, advocacy, promoting physical activity, peer support, and social prescribing – that can help individuals maintain health and independence.
These measures enable people to live with dignity and avoid crises. However, funding limitations mean councils often focus on urgent needs, leaving little for preventative services.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Properly funded preventative services would mean councils, working closely with partners and people drawing on support, can maximise the impact of their resources and address community needs.
“This will also drive down demand for more expensive acute health and social care support.”
The LGA is calling for government investment during the upcoming Spending Review, to pilot innovative early support programmes.
While the Budget allocated £600 million for social care, rising National Insurance and other staff costs are expected to offset much of this funding (see Government ‘must fund NIC increases’ – LGA).
The report underscores that embedding prevention into health and care systems could save money and transform lives, but achieving this requires a stable, long-term financial strategy.
- See Changing livesfor more on the LGA’s report on prevention in adult social care.