Adult Social Care

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In West Northamptonshire, the cabinet member defending the adult social care budget told members the service is means-tested rather than free like the NHS, and that the council has a legal duty to fund it.[1] It is also where a large share of savings can fall: Essex proposed £41m of savings for 2026/27, with £30m of it drawn from social care.[2] Councils described rising demand and provider cost pressure across the sector.[3][4][5] Their 2026/27 budgets reached for four levers: the adult social care precept on council tax, the fees paid to care providers, the charges levied on people who use care, and the shape of the services still run in-house.[6][7][8][9]

Key figures

10 of these Reform-led councils applied the maximum 2% adult social care precept to their 2026/27 council tax
Essex County Council
Essex County Council's Full Council resolved on 12 February 2026 to set the 2026/27 council tax increase at 3.95%, made up of a 1.95% general increase and the maximum 2.00% adult social care precept, taking the ECC element of a Band D bill to £1,641.96.
“That Essex County Council’s element of the council tax be increased by 3.95% comprising of a 1.95% increase in general council tax and 2.00% adult social care precept. This would result in the Essex County Council element of the council tax being £1,641.96 for a Band D property in 2026/27.” source ↗
St Helens Borough Council
Full Council on 4 March 2026 approved the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026-2029 and the 2026/27 Revenue and Capital Budget, setting a Band D Council Tax of GBP 1,975.65 made up of a 2.00% Adult Social Care Precept plus a 2.99% general Council Tax increase (4.99% total). An alternative budget moved by Councillor Maguire and seconded by Councillor Collier was defeated (14 for, 26 against, 1 abstention) before the original proposal, including the 2% ASC precept, carried on a recorded vote (30 for, 8 against, 2 abstentions).
“a 2026/27 Band D Council Tax of £1,975.65, which equates to a Council Tax increase consisting of a 2.00% Adult Social Care Precept and a 2.99% general Council Tax increase (total 4.99%) as detailed within the Revenue and Capital Budget 2026/27 section of Appendix A” source ↗
Thurrock Council
Full Council on 25 February 2026 resolved to apply the full adult social care precept flexibility for 2026/27, adding 2% to council tax on top of a 2.99% core increase. The recommendation (2.1c-r, which includes the ASC precept) was carried unanimously, following a separate recorded vote (26 for, 5 against, 11 abstain) on the core budget recommendations 2.1(a)-(b). The council leader framed the combined rise as the alternative to a 10% increase sought by government commissioners.
“Noted the intention to increase Council Tax by a further 2% in 2026/27 in respect of the adult social care precept.” source ↗
Walsall Council
For the 2026/27 budget, Cabinet's motion to Full Council (moved by Councillor Bird, seconded by Councillor Andrew, 26 February 2026) set a net council tax requirement of £174.75m, comprising a 2.99% general council tax increase plus a further 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, a combined 4.99% total council tax rise; this used the full 2% ASC precept flexibility.
“A Walsall Council net council tax requirement for 2026/27 of £174.75m and a 2.99% increase in council tax, plus a further 2% increase for Adult Social Care precept (total council tax increase of 4.99%).” source ↗
Staffordshire County Council
Full Council (12 February 2026) approved the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget, moved by Councillor Murray and seconded by Councillor Lakin, setting a 3.99% council tax increase that included the statutory 2% adult social care precept, the maximum permitted for 2026/27, leaving only 1.99% for wider services.
“Cllr Murray also highlighted the council tax rise to 3.99% which was lower than both the government’s expectation and previous increases, while still protecting all frontline services and investing additional resources. The rise included a statutory 2% adult social care precept, meaning only 1.99% relates to wider services.” source ↗
North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council resolved to set the 2026/27 Council Tax with a 2.99% increase in the core rate and a further 2% Adult Social Care Precept, taking the average Band D equivalent Council Tax to £1,918.23. Cllr Graham Cheatley moved the budget motion and Cllr Martin Griffiths seconded it, at the budget-setting Council meeting on 19 February 2026.
“An increase in Council Tax consisting of 2.99% for the “core” council tax and 2% for the Adult Social Care precept, which resulted in a new Band D equivalent Council Tax of £1,918.23, an average weekly increase of £1.75 (based on Band D equivalent).” source ↗
West Northamptonshire Council
Cabinet on 16 February 2026 recommended, and Full Council on 26 February 2026 approved, the 2026-27 budget with an average Band D Council Tax increase of 4.95%, made up of a 2.95% core increase plus the maximum 2% Adult Social Care Precept. The substantive budget was carried with one councillor (McCord) recorded as abstaining.
“an average Band D Council Tax of £1,959.40 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase of 4.95%. (2.95% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2% Adult Social Care Precept)” source ↗
Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council's Full Council resolved to apply a 2.00% Adult Social Care Precept for 2026/27, on top of a 1.80% general Council Tax rise, giving a combined Council Tax increase of 3.80%; the resolution does not itself state that 2.00% was the maximum ASC precept permitted for the year.
“That Council approves an increase of 1.80% in the level of General Council Tax for 2026/27. That Council approves an increase of 2.00% in the level of Adult Social Care Precept for 2026/27.” source ↗
Lincolnshire County Council
The Executive on 3 February 2026 recommended, and the budget framework it put to full Council for 2026/27 included, a 2.9% council tax increase made up of a 2% element for Adult Social Care. Full Council approved the budget and council tax on 20 February 2026, setting the County Council element of council tax for a Band D property at £1,673.01 for 2026/27.
“The level of council tax for 2026/27 proposed in Table F of “the Update” and shown in supplementary Appendix G of “the Update” including the increasing of council tax in 2026/27 by 2.9% inclusive of 2% for Adult Social Care, supported by the consideration of the Equality Impact Analysis contained in supplementary Appendix H of “the Update”” source ↗
Derbyshire County Council
Derbyshire County Council's Revenue Budget Report 2026-27, considered at Full Council on 11 February 2026, built in an Adult Social Care Precept element of £8,817,684 as part of the Council Tax requirement, alongside a Band D adult social care precept increase of £32.00 within an overall 4.9% council tax rise.
“Plus Adult Social Care Precept 8,817,684” source ↗
Derived from an exhaustive search for “applied the maximum 2% adult social care precept for 2026/27”, counted against the corpus as of 2026/27.
2 held one or more adult social care provider fee categories at 0% (no uplift) for 2026/27
Kent County Council
The Adult Social Care and Public Health Cabinet Committee (21 January 2026) was told the proposed 2026/27 uplifts by contract were: no general uplift for Older Persons Residential and Nursing, a 2% uplift for Supported Living and Working Age Adults, a 2% uplift for Working Aged Adults and LDPDMH Residential, and no general uplift for EDLA (Everyday Services for Working Age Adults), against providers' stated CPI-minimum position.
“section 4.2.2 of the report set out each of the different contract proposed uplifts, for each of the 4 contracts as follows: I. Older Persons Residential and Nursing proposed no general uplift II. Supported Living and Working Age Adults, there was a 2% proposed uplift III. Working Aged Adults and LDPDMH Residential, a proposed 2% uplift IV. EDLA (Everyday Services for Working Age Adults) no general uplift was proposed.” source ↗
North Northamptonshire Council
The 2026/27 fee uplift package excluded Working Age Adults Residential Care, which received no uplift from April 2026 pending a targeted review, with a further uplift to be considered from December 2026.
“Working Age Adults Residential Care No uplifts from April 2026, combined with a targeted programme of work to review accommodation-based service expenditure.” source ↗
Derived from an exhaustive search for “held one or more provider fee categories at 0% for 2026/27”, counted against the corpus as of 2026/27.
4 made a change to their adult social care charging policy for 2026/27
Nottinghamshire County Council
Cabinet resolved on 5 March 2026 to approve a refreshed Adult Social Care Charging Policy, including new flat rate discretionary charges, to be implemented from 6 April 2026, and approved the annual use of full cost recovery modelling to review the costs of delivering the services associated with those flat rate discretionary charges.
“9. ADULT SOCIAL CARE CHARGING POLICY (INCLUDING FLAT RATE DISCRETIONARY CHARGES) RESOLVED 2026/007 1) That the refreshed Adult Social Care Charging Policy be approved. 2) That the flat rate charges included in the refreshed Policy be implemented from 6 April 2026.” source ↗
Staffordshire County Council
Cabinet (17 December 2025), on a report from Cabinet Member for Health and Care Martin Rogerson, approved the new Choice Policy for residential, nursing and supported living placements and a Top-up Policy for care home placements, delegating clarifications and amendments, and any extension of the Top-up Policy to other care services, to the Director of Health and Care.
“That the Choice Policy be approved and that authority be delegated to the Director of Health and Care, in discussion with the Cabinet Member for Health and Care, to add clarifications and make amendments to this Policy.” source ↗
Derbyshire County Council
At Cabinet on 11 September 2025, Councillor Lawson told the Conservative Group Leader that the council had already made changes to its Adult Social Care and Health charging policy as part of a wider efficiency drive, alongside reducing direct council provision of residential care for older adults while increasing direct provision of dementia care.
“changes to the Council’s Charging Policy in ASCH, a redesign of adult social care to reduce direct council provision of residential care for older adults and an increase in direct provision for dementia care.” source ↗
Durham County Council
The council introduced a new charge of £2.00 per journey from 2026/27 for people accessing Learning Disability day provision through its internal fleet transport service, forecast to save £0.014 million, as part of the Adult and Health Services savings agreed within the MTFP(15)/MTFP(16) 2026/27 budget.
“Charging for Learning Disability Transport (£0.014 million) based on the introduction of a subsidised charge of £2.00 per journey from 2026/26 for individuals accessing Learning Disability provision through our internal fleet service.” source ↗
Derived from an exhaustive search for “changed adult social care charging policy for 2026/27”, counted against the corpus as of 2026/27.
3 decided to stop directly running an in-house adult social care facility
Derbyshire County Council
Cabinet decided on 20 February 2025 to cease long-term, respite and reablement beds at the council-run Ada Belfield care home in Belper, offering it for transfer to another provider as a going concern, as part of a wider redesign that reduces Derbyshire's directly-run older people's residential provision from 11 homes and eight day centres to just three homes. Six Labour councillors called in the decision, but the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - People voted 5 to 2 that the council's decision-making principles had not been breached, upholding the Cabinet decision.
“On 20 February 2025, Cabinet had considered a report of the Executive Director - Adult Social Care and Health and had agreed to the cessation of long term, respite and reablement beds at Ada Belfield in accordance with a number of processes” source ↗
North Northamptonshire Council
On 12 August 2025 the Executive endorsed Phase 2 of the Adult Social Care Provider Services Transformation Strategy, ending in-house delivery of the Specialist Support Service for Younger Adults (SSYA) supported-living service for the 41 people then supported, in favour of commissioning external providers, while creating a new in-house enablement service. The rationale recorded was that in-house unit costs ran approximately 50% higher than the independent care market and the change would help mitigate an overspend in the service.
“KEY DECISION That the Executive: a) Endorsed the proposed implementation of Phase 2 of the Transformation of Provider Services to proposals for the transformation of the Specialist Support Service Younger Adults (SSYA) service and commissioning of external providers to deliver the longer-term Specialist Support Services for Younger Adults (SSYA). b) Endorsed the creation of a new in-house enablement service.” source ↗
Nottinghamshire County Council
The Adult Social Care and Public Health Select Committee was told, in an update on the Day Opportunities Strategy 2022-27, that the council had reduced its day opportunities building locations from 10 to 8, and that services had ceased operating from the previous Mansfield and Netherfield locations at the end of 2024, with people using those services supported to move to alternative locations.
“Members noted that there had been a reduction in the number of building locations from 10 to eight . The following services were now being delivered: • 4 Community Hubs in Newark, Ashfield, Broxtowe and Worksop (Albion Close) • 2 Promoting Independence Hubs in Worksop Library and Bingham • 1 Specialist Dementia Hub in Ollerton • 1 Specialist Autism Hub in Gedling • 1 Employment Hub at Brooke Farm/ Newark satellite. The Service Director noted that services had ceased to operate from the previous Mansfield and Netherfield locations at the end of 2024.” source ↗
Derived from an exhaustive search for “decided to close or cease running an in-house adult social care facility”, counted against the corpus as of 2026/27.

The adult social care precept

The precept is a ring-fenced addition to council tax: for 2026/27 central government set the referendum limit at 2.99%, with social care authorities able to levy a further 2% for adult social care.[10][11] In Warwickshire the adult social care portfolio holder argued for taking the 2% precept, saying providers were worried about affordability without it.[12] The council settled on a 4.44% overall rise, adopted after its original 3.89% proposal was defeated.[13] Not every council reached for the cap: County Durham used additional Recovery Grant Uplift funding to hold its rise to 1.99%, applied entirely as the social care precept with no core increase at all.[14][15] Others published only a single blended figure with no separable social care line: Leicestershire took a 2.99% rise framed against inflation, with no separately identified precept element in the minutes.[16][17] Kent and Nottinghamshire each set a combined 3.99% increase that their minutes do not break down into a precept component.[18][19]

Provider fee uplifts

North Northamptonshire framed its 2026/27 fee uplift as meeting National Living Wage and inflationary cost pressures, with different rates set by provision type.[20] Where a council ran its own provision, the in-house uplift could lag the market: Derbyshire raised independent-sector residential and nursing rates by 3.8% a week but its own in-house day care and residential rates by only 3.4%.[21] Kent's providers, consulted through the Kent Integrated Care Alliance and National Care Association, said a CPI-level uplift was the minimum needed for financial sustainability.[22] The council judged full inflationary uplifts unaffordable and resolved to invest only to the extent its Care Act market-sustainability duty required, applying differentiated uplifts rather than a single inflation-tracking rise.[23][22]

Charging people who use care

Some of these charging changes were booked, at least in part, as savings.[24][25] Derbyshire listed its community charging policy among savings at risk of non-delivery in its Quarter 3 monitoring.[24] County Durham's new £2.00 per journey charge for learning disability transport was scored as a saving.[25] It drew the single most-cited objection in the council's budget consultation.[26] Nottinghamshire approved a refreshed adult social care charging policy, including new flat-rate discretionary charges, from 6 April 2026.[8] Staffordshire's new Choice and Top-up policies were a response to self-funders' care home choices driving an unsustainable rise in placement prices.[27][28] Norfolk's change came earlier: it reduced its Minimum Income Guarantee under a charging policy change fully implemented in November 2024, with the first invoices reaching service users in January 2025.[29] Its cabinet member told Full Council the change affected charges only, not eligibility.[29]

In-house provision

Where councils stepped back from running care themselves, cost and buildings drove it.[30][31][32] North Northamptonshire recorded its in-house unit costs at roughly 50% above the independent market when it moved a supported-living service to external commissioning.[30] Lincolnshire's proposal to cease its buildings-based respite service followed a 2024 fire-safety failure that temporarily closed one site.[31] Lancashire opened consultation on reproviding ten older people's services because of the condition and suitability of the buildings.[32] Several of these moves are still live rather than settled.[31][33][34] Lincolnshire's cessation was a proposal with a decision due in May 2026.[31] West Northamptonshire opened a consultation in June 2026 that includes potential decommissioning of named services.[33] Lancashire's cabinet member told Full Council no closures were planned while its review continued.[34] A closure-shaped item in Warwickshire was a different thing: an NHS trust consolidation of mental health inpatient beds, not council provision, which the council's scrutiny committee declined to endorse.[35][36]

References

1. Councillor Laura Couse defended the Adult Social Care element of the budget increase during the Cabinet debate, stating that the service is means-tested rather than free and universal like the NHS, and that the council has a legal duty to fund it.
“Councillor Laura Couse reminded members that Adult Social Care was not a free universal service like the NHS it is means-tested and WNC had a legal duty in this area. This budget increase is essential and ensured that those in need and their carers continue to receive the help they rely on.” Minutes, 16 February 2026 ↗
2. A February 2026 committee briefing on the budget recorded the council tax rise as being proposed at 3.95%, split between a 2% Adult Social Care precept and a 1.95% core council tax increase, against roughly £100 million of net budget pressures for 2026/27, of which £41 million of savings were proposed, £30 million from social care.
“£41 million of savings were proposed for 2026/27, with £30 million of this coming from social care.” Minutes, 5 February 2026 ↗
“The Council tax increase was proposed to be 3.95%, comprising a 2% Adult Social Care precept and a 1.95% core Council Tax increase.” Minutes, 5 February 2026 ↗
3. Cllr Eddie McDonald proposed the 2026/27 fee uplift report citing significant financial pressures on the care provider sector and the Council's duty to sustain a diverse care market; Cllr Graham Cheatley seconded it as fiscally responsible, targeted and evidence-based.
“Cllr Eddie McDonald, in proposing the report, noted the significant financial pressures on the sector and the Council’s duty to ensure a diverse and sustainable care market.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“Cllr Graham Cheatley seconded the report, stating that the proposal was fiscally responsible, targeted and evidence-based, supporting market stability while remaining within the Medium-Term Financial Plan.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
4. The Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (19 January 2026, MTFS 2026/27 to 2029/30) was told by the Director that the annual rise in cost per service user reflects a yearly provider fee review linked to National Living Wage rises and CPI, and that adult social care cost inflation nationally runs at two to three times general inflation; Leicestershire's own rate was reported as below the national ASC figure but still well above general inflation.
“The Director explained this reflected the annual fee review, where provider rates were uplifted due to National Living Wage pressures and CPI-linked inflation.” Minutes, 28 January 2026 ↗
“He advised that a Use of Resources report in March 2026 would include further information, noting typical social care inflation of 12 -14% per year.” Minutes, 28 January 2026 ↗
5. No specific 2026/27 provider fee uplift percentage or rate (domiciliary, residential or nursing) is documented in the published minutes; the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health described rising provider costs, partly driven by national minimum wage increases, as a budget pressure and said savings came from recommissioning contracts rather than fee cuts.
“Explained that savings were achieved through recommissioning contracts for better value rather than reducing frontline services, which were protected.” Minutes, 5 February 2026 ↗
“Noted that rising demand and increased provider costs (driven in part by national minimum wage increases) were major pressures affecting the sector.” Minutes, 5 February 2026 ↗
6. For the 2026/27 budget, Cabinet's motion to Full Council (moved by Councillor Bird, seconded by Councillor Andrew, 26 February 2026) set a net council tax requirement of £174.75m, comprising a 2.99% general council tax increase plus a further 2% increase for the Adult Social Care precept, a combined 4.99% total council tax rise; this used the full 2% ASC precept flexibility.
“A Walsall Council net council tax requirement for 2026/27 of £174.75m and a 2.99% increase in council tax, plus a further 2% increase for Adult Social Care precept (total council tax increase of 4.99%).” Minutes, 26 February 2026 ↗
7. On 24 February 2026 Essex County Council's Cabinet agreed the 2026/27 annual fee uplifts for adult social care providers, uplifting the Supported Living Framework rate for adults with disabilities by 4.1% and residential/nursing rates on the Integrated Residential and Nursing (IRN) Framework by 3.6% for residential and 3.64% for nursing, effective from March/April 2026.
“Agree the uplift approaches set out for each market segment in the table below, applicable from the assessment date for residential settings and the 4-week billing cycle for non-residential as detailed below: Market Recommendation: Adults with Disabilities (AWD) Supported Living Uplift fees for new and existing packages on ECC’s Supported Living Framework (excluding 24 hour and night sleep packages) by 4.1% to £23.40ph for non -complex and £25.96ph for complex.” Minutes, 24 February 2026 ↗
“Uplift the weekly rate of all existing placements through the IRN Framework on 6 April 2026 by 3.6% for residential and by 3.64% for nursing, capped at the locality maximum rate, whichever is lower.” Minutes, 24 February 2026 ↗
8. Cabinet resolved on 5 March 2026 to approve a refreshed Adult Social Care Charging Policy, including new flat rate discretionary charges, to be implemented from 6 April 2026, and approved the annual use of full cost recovery modelling to review the costs of delivering the services associated with those flat rate discretionary charges.
“9. ADULT SOCIAL CARE CHARGING POLICY (INCLUDING FLAT RATE DISCRETIONARY CHARGES) RESOLVED 2026/007 1) That the refreshed Adult Social Care Charging Policy be approved. 2) That the flat rate charges included in the refreshed Policy be implemented from 6 April 2026.” Document, 5 March 2026 ↗
“4) That the use of the full cost recovery modelling on an annual basis to review costs in delivering the services associated with the flat rate discretionary charges be approved.” Document, 5 March 2026 ↗
9. Cabinet decided on 20 February 2025 to cease long-term, respite and reablement beds at the council-run Ada Belfield care home in Belper, offering it for transfer to another provider as a going concern, as part of a wider redesign that reduces Derbyshire's directly-run older people's residential provision from 11 homes and eight day centres to just three homes. Six Labour councillors called in the decision, but the Improvement and Scrutiny Committee - People voted 5 to 2 that the council's decision-making principles had not been breached, upholding the Cabinet decision.
“On 20 February 2025, Cabinet had considered a report of the Executive Director - Adult Social Care and Health and had agreed to the cessation of long term, respite and reablement beds at Ada Belfield in accordance with a number of processes” Document, 3 October 2025 ↗
“The shorter second consultation had been adequate and sufficient to consult on the two options relating to the County Council ceasing to operate only three homes in comparison to 11 homes and eight day centres.” Document, 3 October 2025 ↗
“Members voted 5 to 2 in favour that the principles of decision-making had not been breached. RESOLVED that the Committee considered the call-in of the decision made by Cabinet on 20 February 2025 and determined that the decision- making principles set out in Article 7.2 (a), (b), (d) and (g) had not been breached.” Document, 3 October 2025 ↗
10. The council's MTFP16 Cabinet report records that the Government's confirmed council tax referendum limit for 2026/27 was 2.99%, with social care authorities given the option to levy an additional 2% Adult Social Care precept, and Cabinet's own budget guidance was to raise council tax by the maximum permitted amount.
“The Government has confirmed that across the next three years of the Comprehensive Spending Review Period, the council tax referendum limit will be 2.99% and that social care authorities have the “option” to increase council tax by an additional 2% for a Social Care Precept.” Document, 11 February 2026 ↗
11. For 2026/27 the Government-set council tax referendum limit for Warwickshire was 4.99%, of which 2% was the ring-fenced adult social care precept portion; the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property set this out to Cabinet in December 2025.
“Council tax referendum limits had been set by central government at 4.99% and included a 2% portion for Adult Social care.” Minutes, 11 December 2025 ↗
12. During the February 2026 budget debate, the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, argued for taking the 2% adult social care precept, saying providers were worried about affordability without it.
“Highlighted the importance of the 2% adult social care precept, reporting that providers were concerned about affordability and future financial impacts without it.” Minutes, 5 February 2026 ↗
13. Warwickshire's original Reform UK budget proposal (council tax increase 3.89%, below the 4.99% maximum) was defeated 16 votes for to 28 against on 17 February 2026; the Council then adopted a revised Reform UK amendment raising the overall council tax increase to 4.44% for 2026/27, moved by Councillor Stephen Shaw and seconded by Councillor Christopher Kettle, carried 24 votes for to 18 against with 3 abstentions.
“The results were 19 votes in favour, 24 votes against and 2 abstentions. The amendment was defeated.” Minutes, 17 February 2026 ↗
“Councillor Shaw presented an amendment which proposed a 4.44% increase in council tax and the retention of the youth grant funding.” Minutes, 17 February 2026 ↗
“Votes for (24): Councillors Robert Aitkenhead, Michael Bannister, Jo Barker, Wayne Briggs, Darren Cheshire, Luke Cooper, James Crocker, Andy Crump, Yousef Dahmash, George Finch, Neil Garland, Robert Gisbourne, Dan Glover, Nigel Golby, Stuart Green, Rob Howard, Dale Keeling, Christopher Kettle, Jan Matecki, Chris Mills, Stephen Shaw, Anne-Marie Sonko, John Waine, and Adrian Warwick” Minutes, 17 February 2026 ↗
14. Following the final Local Government Finance Settlement received on 9 February 2026, Cabinet revised its recommendation down from the 3.10% combined increase to a 1.99% rise, applying it entirely as the Adult Social Care precept with no core council tax increase, using additional Recovery Grant Uplift funding to reduce the overall rise below the maximum permitted level.
“Cabinet had considered the impact of Council Tax and due to the extra Recovery Uplift Grant received, they have set this as 1.99% to cover the social care precept.” Minutes, 30 March 2026 ↗
15. At County Council on 18 February 2026, moving adoption of the budget, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed the council tax increase for 2026/27 was entirely the 1.99% social care precept, with no other increase applied.
“The increase to council tax was based on the social care needs and a precept of 1.99% however there would be no other increase incurred on council tax.” Minutes, 20 May 2026 ↗
16. Cabinet on 3 February 2026 recommended the 2026/27 Council Tax increase of 2.99%, framed explicitly against inflation rather than against the separate adult social care precept flexibility.
“the proposals sought to reduce the budget gap whilst keeping the Council Tax increase below inflation” Minutes, 24 March 2026 ↗
“That a Council Tax increase for 2026/27 of 2.99% be recommended;” Minutes, 24 March 2026 ↗
17. Full Council resolved on 18 February 2026, on a motion moved by Mr Fowler and seconded by Mr Harrison, to approve a Council Tax increase of 2.99% for 2026/27 and the resulting precept, carried 39 votes to none with 13 abstentions; the minutes do not record a separately identified adult social care precept element within that 2.99% figure.
“(h) That the recommended Council Tax increase of 2.99% for 2026/27 and the resulting precept be approved;” Minutes, 18 February 2026 ↗
“The substantive motion was carried, with 39 members voting for the motion and 13 members abstaining.” Minutes, 18 February 2026 ↗
“It was moved by Mr Fowler and seconded by Mr Harrison:” Minutes, 18 February 2026 ↗
18. For 2026/27, Kent County Council resolved at County Council on 12 February 2026 to increase Council Tax band rates by 3.99% overall, with a total Council Tax requirement of £1,041,352,757 raised through precepts on districts; the resolution as recorded in Kent's minutes does not itemise a separate 'adult social care precept' percentage distinct from the core rate.
“2026-27 Council Tax (e) To increase Council Tax band rates by 3.99% as set out in section 5 and appendix H of the final draft report published on 4th February 2026. (f) The total Council Tax requirement of £1,041,352,757 to be raised through precepts on districts as set out in section 5 and a” Minutes, 12 February 2026 ↗
19. At County Council on 26 February 2026, the Annual Budget Report 2026-27 was moved by Councillor Stuart Matthews and seconded by Councillor Mick Barton; a Conservative Group amendment (moved by Councillor Stuart Bestwick, seconded by Councillor Sam Smith) was rejected 17 votes for to 43 against, and the original budget motion, which set the County Council element of Council Tax to rise by 3.99% in 2026/27, was carried 40 votes for to 20 against. The published minutes record only this single, combined Council Tax increase figure for 2026/27 and do not break it down into a separate adult social care precept component.
“4) That the County Council element of the Council Tax be increased by 3.99% in 2026/27. That the overall Band D tax rate be set at £1, 970.13 with the various bands of property as set out in paragraph 110 in appendix 2 of the report.” Document, 19 March 2026 ↗
“5. ANNUAL BUDGET REPORT 2026-27 Councillor Stuart Matthews introduced the report and moved a motion in terms of resolution 2026/002 below, which was seconded by Councillor Mick Barton. Councillor Stuart Bestwick moved the Conservative Group amendment, as printed in the Council agenda, which was seconded by Councillor Sam Smith.” Document, 19 March 2026 ↗
20. For 2026/27 the Executive at North Northamptonshire Council approved an uplift in fees paid to adult social care providers to help meet National Living Wage and inflationary cost pressures, with different rates set by provision type: an average 2.1% uplift on the Home Care framework hourly rate, and a 12% increase in the Expected to Pay rate for standard older persons residential care to £837.31 per week from April 2026. Cllr Eddie McDonald proposed the report and Cllr Graham Cheatley seconded it; it was resolved.
“Home Care framework Uplift from April 2026: the Urban Hourly rate by 2.32% to £23.88; the suburban hourly rate by 2.22% to £24.92; the Rural Hourly rate by 2.04% to £27.01; and the Extra Rural Hourly rate by 1.82% to £995,250 £30.26; resulting in an average uplift percentage of 2.1%.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“KEY DECISION That the Executive approved an uplift in fees paid to adult social care providers to support providers in meeting the additional financial pressures including National Living Wage for frontline carers inflationary pressures.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
“Older Persons Residential Care Increase the expected to pay rates from April 2026 by up to 12% to £837.31 per week.” Minutes, 17 March 2026 ↗
21. Cabinet on 12 March 2026 approved the Care Home Fee Proposals 2026-27, introduced by Councillor J Barnes: independent sector residential and nursing care home rates rise 3.8% per week for 2026-27, while the council's own in-house day care and residential care rates rise by a lower 3.4% per week.
“RESOLVED to approve: 1) To increase the rate paid to independent sector residential care homes for the financial year 2026-27 by 3.8% per week; 2) To increase the rate paid to independent sector nursing homes for the financial year 2026-27 by 3.8% per week;” Minutes, 12 March 2026 ↗
“6) To increase the rates for in-house day care and residential care by 3.4% per week.” Minutes, 12 March 2026 ↗
22. For 2026/27, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health proposed differentiated fee uplifts for Adult Social Care providers rather than a single inflationary uplift, following consultation with the Kent Integrated Care Alliance and National Care Association in November 2025 in which providers said CPI-level uplift would be the minimum needed for financial sustainability.
“Providers have indicated that Consumer Price Index (CPI) level uplift would represent a minimum position to maintain financial sustainability, with higher uplifts required in some service areas. The proposed approached for 2026/2027 is to apply differentiated uplifts” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
23. The Executive Decision report's conclusions state providers wanted full inflationary uplifts but the Council judged this unaffordable, resolving instead to apply uplifts only to the extent required by its Care Act market-sustainability duty, with the proposals subject to approval of the County Council budget on 12 February 2026.
“Providers have been clear that full inflationary uplifts would be their preferred position. However, it is not affordable for the Council to make additional investment in the sector beyond compliance with its statutory duties without materially undermining its ability to meet its wider statutory duties as a Council and manage demand across the wider system.” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
“The proposals set out are subject to approval of the budget by the County Council on 12 February 2026.” Decisions, 21 January 2026 ↗
24. By March 2026 the charging policy change was flagged by Cabinet as a savings item requiring review: the council's Quarter 3 2025-26 budget monitoring report listed 'the charging policy for people receiving adult social care support in the community' among savings rated as at risk of not being fully delivered, alongside residential and day care savings for older people.
“There are some ‘Red’ rated savings which are unlikely to be delivered, but there have been alternative savings identified so that savings yet to be delivered are £2.353m. The savings requiring review are detailed in Appendix 11 of the report. These are mainly relating to:- - Residential care and day care for older people; and - The charging policy for people receiving adult social care support in the community.” Minutes, 12 March 2026 ↗
25. The council introduced a new charge of £2.00 per journey from 2026/27 for people accessing Learning Disability day provision through its internal fleet transport service, forecast to save £0.014 million, as part of the Adult and Health Services savings agreed within the MTFP(15)/MTFP(16) 2026/27 budget.
“Charging for Learning Disability Transport (£0.014 million) based on the introduction of a subsidised charge of £2.00 per journey from 2026/26 for individuals accessing Learning Disability provision through our internal fleet service.” Document, 11 February 2026 ↗
“Proposals include maximising the use of reablement and direct payments to support people to live independently, reviewing Support and Recovery arrangements, introducing subsidised charging for learning disability transport, and realigning the funding model for the Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance by switching elements of funding to the Public Health Grant.” Document, 11 February 2026 ↗
26. Budget consultation feedback recorded strong public objection to the new transport charge: it was the single most-cited concern among both neutral and dissenting respondents, with many describing charging for learning disability transport as unfair and harmful to disabled people and their families.
“Objection to charging for learning disability transport (61): Many respondents specifically objected to introducing or increasing charges for learning disability transport, describing it as unfair, discriminatory and harmful to disabled individuals and their families.” Document, 21 January 2026 ↗
27. Cabinet (17 December 2025), on a report from Cabinet Member for Health and Care Martin Rogerson, approved the new Choice Policy for residential, nursing and supported living placements and a Top-up Policy for care home placements, delegating clarifications and amendments, and any extension of the Top-up Policy to other care services, to the Director of Health and Care.
“That the Choice Policy be approved and that authority be delegated to the Director of Health and Care, in discussion with the Cabinet Member for Health and Care, to add clarifications and make amendments to this Policy.” Minutes, 17 December 2025 ↗
“That the Top-up Policy for care home placements be approved and that authority be delegated to the Director of Health and Care, in discussion with the Cabinet Member for Health and Care, to extend the Policy to other care services, based on the same principles.” Minutes, 17 December 2025 ↗
28. The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee (15 September 2025) heard that a new Choice Policy was being developed and consulted on because self-funders' choice of care home before seeking council support was driving an unsustainable rise in the price of care home placements for adults aged 65 and over.
“The Committee were advised that the Council was experiencing a rapid rise in the price of some care services, particularly care home placements for adults aged 65 and over, which was driven in large part by people’s choice of care home when they were self-funding a placement prior to asking the Council for support. This was generating an unsustainable cost pressure.” Minutes, 10 November 2025 ↗
29. Norfolk County Council reduced the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) as part of changes to its adult social care Charging Policy, fully implemented in November 2024 with related invoices issued to service users from January 2025. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care told Full Council the new policy only affected charges and did not change eligibility for services, and that take-up of Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowances, used to offset the charge increase, had continued to rise.
“Since the implementation of the reduction in the MIG has there been an assessment of the consequences on Council services from increased demand in other ways?” Minutes, 6 May 2025 ↗
“The changes to the Charging Policy were fully implemented in November 2024, with invoices related to commissioned services sent out three months ago in January 2025. The new policy only affected charges and did not change eligibility for services.” Minutes, 6 May 2025 ↗
“we have continued to see the amount of DRE taken into account increase. This helps to ensure that charges are properly taking into account individual’s unavoidable expenditure due to their disability.” Minutes, 6 May 2025 ↗
30. On 12 August 2025 the Executive endorsed Phase 2 of the Adult Social Care Provider Services Transformation Strategy, ending in-house delivery of the Specialist Support Service for Younger Adults (SSYA) supported-living service for the 41 people then supported, in favour of commissioning external providers, while creating a new in-house enablement service. The rationale recorded was that in-house unit costs ran approximately 50% higher than the independent care market and the change would help mitigate an overspend in the service.
“As of 1 st April 2025, 41 people are supported in the longer-term settings with 1,117 hours of care and supported provided during the day and 321 hours of care at night across these settings each week.” Minutes, 12 August 2025 ↗
“The care and support needs of people currently supported by SSYA can be met effectively by the independent (external) care market. Our in-house unit costs are approximately 50% more expensive than the independent market.” Minutes, 12 August 2025 ↗
“KEY DECISION That the Executive: a) Endorsed the proposed implementation of Phase 2 of the Transformation of Provider Services to proposals for the transformation of the Specialist Support Service Younger Adults (SSYA) service and commissioning of external providers to deliver the longer-term Specialist Support Services for Younger Adults (SSYA). b) Endorsed the creation of a new in-house enablement service.” Minutes, 12 August 2025 ↗
31. An Executive Councillor Decision Report (reference I037556, decision due 13 May 2026) proposed to cease Lincolnshire County Council's buildings-based short breaks and emergency respite service for adults with a learning disability, delivered from two council-owned properties, Swallow Lodge (North Hykeham) and Cedar House (Spalding), and replace it with places purchased across up to 12 residential and nursing care locations. The rationale given was that the buildings were not purpose-designed for the service, required ongoing unbudgeted repair and fire-safety investment (Swallow Lodge was temporarily closed in 2024 after failing fire safety standards), and that a dispersed model offered wider geographic coverage and care closer to home.
“In 2024, both Swallow Lodge and Cedar House were assessed as failing to meet the required fire safety standards, leading to the temporary closure of Swallow Lodge to undertake remedial works, and necessitating ongoing increased staffing to ensure safe evacua tion procedures.” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“The proposed changes to current arrangements are as follows: • To cease provision at the existing delivery locations. • To commission both planned short breaks and emergency respite services at existing and established care homes offering residential and nursing care services, offering a broader geographical spread of locations across the County” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“The Council commissions Making Space to deliver buildings‑based short breaks and emergency respite services for adults with a learning disability from two Council‑owned properties: Swallow Lodge (North Hykeham) and Cedar House (Spalding). Both services are currently contracted to Making Space, with contractual arrangements for each in place until 31 August 2026.” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
“Approves the undertaking of a procurement process to commission planned short breaks and eme rgency respite service s within established, registered residential and nursing care settings, inclusive of twelve (12) beds at up to twelve (12) locations, for an initial period of three (3) years” Decisions, 29 April 2026 ↗
32. In October 2025, Cabinet approved the start of a formal review of Lancashire's in-house Adult Social Care Provider Services and a public consultation on an accelerated reprovision (closure or redesign) of ten Older People's services, five residential care homes and five day services across seven sites, because of significant service quality risks linked to the condition and suitability of the buildings.
“To complete public consultation on both the evaluation framework which will guide the future redesign of the wider in-house Provider Services, and to consult on the proposed accelerated reprovision of the ten Older People's Services” Minutes, 9 October 2025 ↗
“The proposals to accelerate reprovision of ten Older People services (five residential care homes and five-day services) due to significant service quality risks arising from the condition and suitability of the buildings across seven sites” Minutes, 9 October 2025 ↗
33. Cabinet on 9 June 2026 approved the start of a formal public consultation on the future of West Northamptonshire Council's directly-run in-house adult social care services, naming Obelisk House, Southfields, Eleanor Lodge and Day Services, and noted the consultation would explore options including remodelling, alternative delivery models and potential decommissioning where the evidence supports it. Councillor Couse introduced the report, Councillor Butler recommended it and Councillor Slope seconded; a further report with recommendations for the future service model is due back to Cabinet in October 2026.
“Approved the commencement of a formal public consultation on the future of the Council’s internal adult social care services, including Obelisk House, Southfields, Eleanor Lodge, and Day Services.” Decisions, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Councillor Butler recommended the report; Councillor Slope seconded.” Minutes, 9 June 2026 ↗
“Noted the consultation would explore a range of options, including service remodelling, alternative delivery models, and potential decommissioning, where evidence suggests this may be necessary to ensure services are sustainable and meet resident needs.” Decisions, 9 June 2026 ↗
34. In March 2026, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Graham Dalton told Full Council in response to a question from County Councillor Kim Snape that no decision had been made to close, outsource or privatise any of the council's care provision, and that Cabinet had already confirmed no closures were planned, while an evidence-based review of all in-house services continued.
“no decisions have been made to close, outsource, privatise any of Lancashire care provision. Cabinet has already confirmed that no closures are planned.” Minutes, 12 March 2026 ↗
35. Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) proposed consolidating older adults' mental health inpatient beds, moving female functional inpatient care from the standalone Woodloes House unit in South Warwickshire to Ferndale Ward, a multi-ward site in Nuneaton; the proposal was scrutinised by Warwickshire's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 25 February 2026.
“She noted that Woodloes House was a high-quality standalone unit but faced challenges due to its lack of co-location with other wards, limiting rapid access to specialist staff and affecting discharge planning during periods of high demand.” Minutes, 25 February 2026 ↗
“She confirmed that under the proposals, female functional inpatient care would move from Woodloes House to Ferndale Ward, improving access to multidisciplinary teams.” Minutes, 25 February 2026 ↗
36. The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted on 25 February 2026 on whether to endorse CWPT's approach to consolidating older adults' inpatient mental health beds; the endorsement was rejected 8 votes to 1, meaning the Committee declined to back the plan (an advisory scrutiny vote, not a final closure decision, which rests with the NHS trust).
“One member voted in favour, eight members voted against, and there were no abstentions. The Committee therefore resolved not to endorse the approach.” Minutes, 25 February 2026 ↗