The leader of Northumberland County Council has called on the Government for extra support to relieve social care budget pressures.
As the council's cabinet prepares to discuss its quarterly financial performance on Tuesday, September 17, Councillor Glen Sanderson has written to the Government to highlight the pressures on adults and children’s social care budgets – which are both forecasting an overspend.
Councillor Sanderson said: "This council will always do all it can to look after those people most in need of help, whilst maintaining services and amenities that all residents expect of their local authority.
"But we have seen a consistent increase in care needs over the last five years, and, in the current year, social care pressures are already coming through in unprecedented numbers."
Council figures show the cost of adult social care was around £139m in 2023/24, a £42 million rise since 2019.
Children's social care costs have also increased by £15m over the same period, totalling £62m.
Councillor Sanderson added: "Overall, our council’s finances are very well-managed.
"However, despite our good practice and prudence, the rising costs of providing statutory care services are of significant concern to many councils.
"As we approach the winter, this issue will only become more acute.”
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