Inequalities persist as demand for social care rises: SCIE responds to the CQC’s annual assessment of health and social care

The demand for social care is rising faster than the sector can respond. Local authority budgets have not kept pace with the growing complexity and volume of need, leaving many without the support to live safely and independently.

The consequences of this growing strain are felt most acutely by those already facing disadvantage. This report provides further evidence that people living in the most deprived areas often experience poorer outcomes and encounter greater barriers to accessing care. Older people, people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and people with complex mental health needs are also struggling to navigate services and access the support they need.

The inequities are deeply embedded in our health and care systems. Unless we focus on understanding and tackling the root causes, people who draw on social care will continue to face challenges in accessing care that meets their needs. As we work to reform social care for the long term, one clear priority must be to build a system that is fairer for all.

The rise in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards notifications illustrates the pressures facing the system. In 2024/25, there were over 185,000, a 15% increase on the previous year. Many people wait far longer than statutory timeframes for authorisations, leaving them at risk of being deprived of their liberty without the protections the law intends. We welcome the major changes to safeguarding and protections under the proposed Liberty Protection Safeguards, which are needed to break the current norm where many people are still not receiving the important safeguards they require.

Community health and care services need immediate and sustained investment to meet these challenges, empower people to live with independence, dignity and purpose and support the delivery of the government’s NHS ambitions. This is a crucial step in establishing a resilient and sustainable system that is capable of protecting people’s rights and contributing to a fair and equal society.