Care costs consume more than 80% of funding at 16 English councils

Sixteen English councils spent more than 80% of their core funding on adult and children’s social care in 2025-26, according to an analysis of government figures by the Guardian. Councils collectively spent £42.8bn on care, equivalent to 71.9% of their combined core spending. Adult social care accounted for 44.5%, while children’s services represented 27.4%.

The proportion has risen from 62.4% in 2017-18, increasing pressure on other local services. Adult care alone consumed more than half of core spending power at 19 councils, compared with six authorities in 2017-18. Halton in Cheshire recorded the highest proportion, with social care representing 92.9% of its spending power.

An official audit found its finances unsustainable despite cuts and the sale of council assets. The council received £35m in exceptional financial support this year. Many of the councils with the highest care spending proportions applied for permission to borrow to meet day-to-day costs and balance their budgets.

They include authorities serving some deprived areas, such as Blackpool, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said councils overspent their adult care budgets by £715m in 2025-26 and had planned savings of £909m. Measures could include higher charges and reductions to services such as day centres.

The King’s Fund attributed the spending increase partly to the growing number of people receiving support. By March, 684,920 adults were in long-term care, up from 613,360 in 2021-22. The figures have renewed calls for national reform.

The source says the government plans to lay the groundwork for a National Care Service after the next election, while a review led by Louise Casey is expected next year. Local government representatives said sustained, predictable funding was needed as rising care demand squeezed prevention and other services.