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An analysis of trends in social care demand and access in England, highlighting the relationship between increasing requests for support and financial eligibility thresholds.
Key statistics
Key messages
Policy implications
Gaps
Commentary
The Social Care 360 analysis provides insight into trends in requests for adult social care support across England. The data show a continued rise in demand, with both working-age adults and older people seeking support in greater numbers.
While requests for support have increased, the report notes that the financial eligibility thresholds used in the means-testing system have not been updated to reflect inflation. As living costs rise, this can affect the number of people who qualify for publicly funded care.
The findings suggest that individuals whose financial circumstances fall just above the eligibility threshold may face increasing costs if they require care. For some households, this may lead to greater reliance on privately funded care or unpaid support from family members.
From a care equity perspective, the interaction between rising demand and static means-test thresholds may widen differences in access to care. Individuals with modest assets may not qualify for state support yet may struggle to afford private care, potentially leading to unmet needs. Adjusting financial eligibility rules to reflect economic conditions could help reduce these inequities and improve access to support based on need.
Overall, the report highlights the importance of aligning financial eligibility criteria with broader economic trends. Without periodic review, means-testing arrangements may become increasingly misaligned with the financial realities faced by people seeking social care.
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