Care England Calls for Adult Social Care to Become a Top Priority Following Local Elections

Care England responds to the local election results of 7th May 2025, in which 136 English local authorities went to the polls. Reacting to the results, Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:

“This election has brought seismic change to local government across England. New councillors are taking their seats, new administrations are forming, and in many areas, parties are holding power for the first time in years, or ever. That is a significant moment, and it brings with it significant responsibility. Adult social care is one of the largest and most complex responsibilities a council holds and, frankly, one of the least understood. Councils with social care responsibilities spend around two-thirds of their entire budgets on adult and children’s social care combined. These are not discretionary choices; they are statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, obligations that exist regardless of who is in power and that carry real consequences for real people if they are not met. For every new councillor taking their seat this week, I would ask one thing: take the time to understand social care, not just as a budget line, but as a lifeline. The older people, disabled adults, and families who depend on these services need councillors who are informed, engaged, and ready to act. Care England is committed to working constructively with every new and returning council. We want to support councillors in understanding the sector, engaging with local providers, and making decisions that will genuinely improve lives. If we get this right together, the benefits will be felt across every community in England.”

Notes to Editors:

Care England is the largest representative body for independent adult social care providers in England. It speaks on behalf of providers across the sector, from small care homes to large national organisations, and works with government, parliament, and partners to shape policy and improve outcomes for people who draw on care and support.

Source on expenditure: County Councils Network (CCN), March 2024.