Transforming social care

For more than 10 years there has been unprecedented pressure placed on public services and local councils, which have faced rising demands along with an increase in customer expectations. At a time of substantial resource constraints, this pressure has been particularly felt in those services that offer support to older adults.

Councils are slowly responding to growing numbers of older people, often with complex needs, who require care and support, not care or support. The implementation of the Care Act 2014 resulted in the largest shake up of social care, where councils were required to extend the role they play and the services they offer. Local councils have had to transform the way their services are delivered.

Challenges exist that prevent local councils and service providers from offering service users 21st-century social care. Systems are not joined up, there are barriers to effective information sharing, and this is occurring alongside ongoing resource challenges, which hinder the sector as it attempts to adopt and adapt to newer ways of working. Health and care integration is still lacking, despite collaboration between organisations such as the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Local Government Association and the Secretary of State for Health's change in portfolio responsibilities.