Issue

Adult social care

76 stories · discussed at 42 council meetings · 29 councils

Councils face rising demand and financial pressures in adult social care, while focusing on performance and strategic planning.

Councils are currently grappling with significant financial pressures and rising demand for adult social care, which provides support for adults with care needs. Bromley Council projects a £4.5 million overspend for 2026-2027, citing pressures in placements and staffing, as reported in September 2026. Enfield Council approved a £7.3 million budget realignment in September 2026, directing funds to adult social care due to demand growth. Hackney also reported a tripling of safeguarding concerns from 2024/25 to 2025/26, increasing pressure on services.

Performance of adult social care services is also a key focus. Sutton's services were rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2025, praised for Technology Enabled Care, as reported in September 2026. Lewisham's services also received a 'Good' CQC rating in August 2026, though areas for improvement included support for unpaid carers. Kingston Council approved a new adult social care strategy for 2026-2029 in September 2026, focusing on independence and enhanced support for unpaid carers.

Looking ahead, Hackney's Cabinet will meet on 6 October 2026, and Lewisham's Mayor and Cabinet on 7 October 2026, with adult social care on their agendas. Adult social care refers to services provided by local authorities to support adults with care and support needs due to age, illness, or disability.

Key facts

  1. Sutton's adult social care services were rated 'Good' by the CQC in 2025, achieving a 70% score. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Hackney's safeguarding concerns tripled from 1,780 in 2024/25 to 2,798 in 2025/26. Source
  3. Islington's adult social care services exceeded their 2025/26 care home admission target of 190, with 197 admissions. Source
  4. Bromley Council projects a £4.5 million overspend for the 2026-2027 financial year, partly due to adult social care pressures. Source
  5. Enfield Council approved a £7.3 million budget realignment in September 2026, directing funds to Adult Social Care. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 6

  1. GLA precept increase adds £20 to Croydon Council Tax Croydon residents will face an average council tax increase of £119.43 for the 2026-27 financial year, following a decision by the Council Tax Setting Committee. The rise... Croydon 4 March 2026
  2. Southwark Council Approves 4.99% Council Tax Hike Amidst Budget Deficit Southwark Council has approved a 4.99% increase in council tax for the upcoming financial year, a decision made during a Council Assembly meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Southwark 1 March 2026
  3. Bexley Council faces £1.76m budget overspend Bexley Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £1.76 million for the 2025/26 financial year, according to a report presented to the Public Cabinet meeting on Monday,... Bexley 25 February 2026
  4. Bexley Council's Adult Social Care faces £3.6m overspend due to increased placements and inflation Bexley Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Directorate is facing a projected overspend of £3.621 million for the current financial year, as revealed in draft budget... Bexley 6 February 2026
  5. H&F Council Proposes £17.9m Savings and Council Tax Hike Amidst Financial Pressures Hammersmith and Fulham Council is planning to make savings of £17.9 million for the 2026/27 financial year as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The proposals... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  6. Hammersmith and Fulham Council Proposes Nearly 3% Council Tax Increase for 2026/27 Budget Hammersmith and Fulham Council is proposing to increase Council Tax by nearly 3% for residents as part of its budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The increase, which includes... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  7. Harrow Council targets £9m savings amid rising costs and service demand Harrow Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, aiming to achieve £9 million in savings over the next three years amidst escalating costs and increasing... Harrow 18 January 2026
  8. Harrow Adult Social Care on track for 'good' CQC rating after leadership overhaul Harrow's Adult Social Care services are nearing a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), marking significant progress since a previous inspection that... Harrow 18 January 2026