The report lays bare the stark reality of unmet need in adult social care. With 2.1 million new requests for support in 2023/24 — a 15% increase since 2015/16 — it is clear that demand is rising rapidly. Particularly concerning is the 31% increase in requests from working-age adults, a group too often overlooked in discussions about social care. Yet, despite this surge, access to support remains deeply uneven, with many individuals falling through the cracks.
The report also highlights that the reliance on means-testing and local funding variations means that where you live and what you earn can determine the level of support you receive. This leaves many without the care they need to live with dignity and independence.
Although social care spending has risen to £32 billion, this increase has not been enough to close the widening gaps in provision. Persistent workforce shortages — exacerbated by low pay and a lack of recognition — further deepen these disparities.
The forthcoming Casey Commission is a critical moment for change. SCIE welcomes this opportunity to reimagine a care system that is fairer, more sustainable, and focused on tackling inequality. The Commission’s ambition to establish a National Care Service with consistent national standards is an important step in addressing the postcode lottery that leaves too many without the care they need.
Kathryn Smith OBE
Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)