Local councils across England overspent by £774 million on adult social care last year, the highest overspend in a decade, according to new figures from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS). Pressures to meet legal duties have forced councils to divert funding away from early intervention and preventative care, cutting this part of the budget by over 10%.

Despite government ambitions to move health and care services closer to communities, social care leaders warn this goal is unattainable without proper investment. The growing complexity of care needs, alongside rising costs, has left councils focusing solely on crisis support. With tighter eligibility criteria expected, fewer people are likely to receive help before reaching breaking point.

Care providers and campaigners say this reactive approach puts extra pressure on the NHS and leaves vulnerable people at greater risk. Ongoing issues include a postcode lottery for Continuing Healthcare funding and care staff being asked to carry out NHS duties without additional funding. All social care directors surveyed said they expect NHS pressures to increase demand on their services in the coming year.

Sector leaders are calling for urgent funding reform, warning that without long-term investment in community-based care, the government’s prevention-focused vision for health and social care cannot be realised.