The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has responded to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) 2025 Autumn Survey.
Kathryn Marsden OBE, chief executive of SCIE, said: “This report provides further evidence that rising demand, escalating needs, and intense financial pressures – including significant overspends and savings requirements – are forcing local authorities to prioritise crisis management over early intervention in social care. The effects of a crisis-led system are that fewer people benefit from available resources, and there are fewer opportunities for system reforms.
“The financially strapped social care system will likely compromise the delivery of the government’s three shifts. Early intervention in social care is especially critical to the success of neighbourhood health schemes, which rely on integrating health and social care services. Our evidence shows that early intervention schemes depend on having dedicated capacity, shared digital records, funding alignment, joined-up leadership, and common purpose. These enablers are in short supply in crisis-driven systems.
“Another fallout of this mounting pressure is the care market becoming increasingly unstable. Continuing with ‘more of the same’ jeopardises the aim of personalised care by limiting people’s care choices so that they can live the lives they want. An increasing number of people are now being affected by care providers closing, ceasing trading or handing back contracts.
“The ADASS survey also highlights a significant increase in high-cost social care for young adults. We know that young people moving from adolescence into adulthood are at risk of significant harm – especially those with complex needs. Urgent reform is needed to ensure they and their families are supported to manage continuity of care and support in a timely, compassionate and coordinated way.
“SCIE is calling for investment in early intervention so that local authorities can intervene sooner and improve outcomes for people and communities. Meaningful investment now could strengthen the system for the long term and create a safer, more sustainable future for everyone who relies on social care.”
