English Councils Spend 80% of Core Funding on Social Care 2026

Sixteen English councils spent more than 80% of their core funding on adult and children's social care last year, underscoring the severe financial strain on local services. This record allocation highlights a growing crisis in local government finance, as rising demand and inflationary pressures push many councils toward bankruptcy.

Record Spending on Social Care

According to Guardian analysis of government figures, councils responsible for social care spent a net £42.8bn on adult and children's services in 2025-26. This represents a record 71.9% of their combined core spending. Adult social care accounted for 44.5%, while children's services took 27.4%. In 2017-18, care costs made up 62.4% of councils' core spending, showing a significant increase over eight years.

The overspending is driven by an ageing population with increasingly complex care needs, rising inflationary pressures, and growing demand for children's social care. As a result, many councils are cutting back on other essential services like road maintenance, libraries, and waste collection to balance their budgets.

Impact on Local Services

The financial squeeze means less money for other vital local services. Councils are being forced to make difficult decisions, often reducing funding for cultural services, parks, and even emergency services. This can lead to a decline in quality of life for residents and further strain on already stretched public services.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made reform of the care system a key priority. At the Labour conference on Tuesday, the prime minister announced that the government would begin laying the groundwork for a National Care Service to be introduced after the next election. This service would be paid for in part by changing the earnings element of the triple lock.

The government has also accelerated an independent review of adult social care led by Louise Casey. Originally due in 2028, the review is now expected next year and will shape the form of the new care service.

Comparing Social Care Spending Over Time

The table below illustrates the shift in council spending priorities:

Key Takeaways

• Sixteen councils now spend over 80% of core funding on social care.
• Adult social care accounts for 44.5% of core spending, children's for 27.4%.
• Rising demand and inflation are pushing councils to the brink of bankruptcy.
• Government plans for a National Care Service aim to address the crisis.
• Louise Casey's review, now due next year, will shape the new service.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of bra post breast augmentation, pacifier oral development, norwegian wood pillows, remote start alarm car, and inexpensive metal detector. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of gifts adulting, teacher backpack, truck bed covers, mouse bait, and sublimation printer. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.