A growing financial squeeze on local authorities has sparked warnings of a looming crisis, with one MP claiming councils are being dragged into a “doom loop” that threatens basic services.
Rachel Gilmour has warned that rising social care costs are placing unsustainable pressure on councils, leaving them unable to maintain essential services.
Total spending on social care by local authorities reached a record £29.3 billion in 2024/25, an increase of £12.4 billion since 2015/16. The figures mean social care now accounts for up to 80% of council budgets, following years of cuts to other services.
In Devon, the county council is already spending £395.9 million on social care after a £9.9 million rise under the current Liberal Democrat administration. The figure is expected to continue increasing, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Ms Gilmour said further reductions in funding could mark “the point of no return” for the sector, urging the Government to provide additional investment, address staff shortages and introduce free personal care for those in need.
The Liberal Democrats argue that increased funding could also ease pressure on the NHS by helping more people leave hospital, reducing overcrowding in accident and emergency departments and cutting the need for corridor care.
The MP also called for the Government to complete its social care commission sooner, with current timelines suggesting reforms may not be in place until 2036.
Research by the King’s Fund shows public satisfaction with social care stands at 13%, while dissatisfaction is close to 50%.
Ms Gilmour said: “Devon County Council is being stretched to breaking point by spiralling social care costs, which means their attention cannot be on fixing the backlog in potholes left by the previous administration, or anywhere else.
“No other party is talking about this elephant in the room – social care. Only my party is committed to properly addressing the issue, which is so important to not just my constituents, but people across the county, and the country.
“The Liberal Democrats will fix social care, making sure vulnerable people get the care they need while freeing up councils to focus on filling potholes, cleaner streets and better local services.”
