Economy

Sixteen English councils allocate over 80% of core funding to social care

The Guardian · September 30, 2026Original source ↗

Sixteen English councils allocate over 80% of core funding to social care

What happened

Analysis of government figures shows that sixteen English councils spent more than 80% of their core funding on adult and children's social care. The total expenditure on these services amounted to £42.8 billion, which represents 71.9% of their combined core spending.

Why it matters

This data underscores the financial challenges local councils face in balancing social care demands with other service funding.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you live in an area served by one of these councils?

You may notice reduced funding for other local services, such as public transportation or community programs, as more resources are directed toward social care. This shift could impact the availability and quality of services you rely on, affecting your daily life and community engagement.

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