Richmond Council has debated the challenges facing adult social care at a recent meeting, with discussions focusing on financial pressures and innovative solutions.
Councillor Andrée Frieze, Leader of the Opposition, requested the debate to address the current and future challenges of Adult Social Care
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Adult social care is a significant portion of the council's budget. Councillor Jim Millard, Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member, noted that in 2025-26, it represents approximately 40% of the council's general fund spend, amounting to £139 million.
Councillor Millard also addressed concerns about demand management, clarifying that it refers to early intervention and prevention, building on initiatives like the lift tracker, not restricting access to services. The Adult Social Care transformation programme is underway to manage demand through early intervention and prevention. He highlighted innovative commissioning approaches and plans to improve supported living through the redevelopment of council assets. Specifically, supported living units will begin construction at Kingston Lane and Meadows Hall in 2026. The homes will empower residents to live independently, reduce reliance on residential care and support carers with dignity and choice.
Councillor Allen spoke about the financial challenges facing adult social care, noting that the medium-term financial strategy shows a cumulative gap of £28.9 million by 2026-27, rising to £88.2 million by 2029-30 before mitigations. He said that even with maximum council tax increases, the gap remains over £51 million for adult social care and public health. He also noted that the council's transformation programme aims to deliver £10 million worth of extra savings by 2028-29 through initiatives like reablement care technology, predictive analytics, and commissioning differently.
Councillor Warlow proposed that Richmond adopts a new residence charter for adult social care, a simple public set of standards that every resident can rely on and every part of adult social care must follow.
Councillor Roberts said that the council is looking at innovation, different ways of doing things, and different ways of commissioning to make residents' lives better.