Funding for adult social care is one of the biggest challenges facing local government. Council tax and business rates are not rising fast enough to keep up with the rising demand. 

It is a joy that modern medicine has helped people live longer lives but we all know the crippling effect it is having on NHS and social care budgets – even the public now understands. And while social care may not quite be an election issue, despite the best efforts of NHS Providers chief Chris Hopson, the NHS will be a key battleground.

For social care authorities, prevention has been at the forefront of their policies. Council tax precepts have eased the burden but budgets have been squeezed. It’s children’s services that are now top of the list of concerns.