Social care review will bring big changes

Dudley Council’s adult social care services are set for a major shake-up with a focus on prevention rather than cure.

The authority’s Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee is set to debate a report on the proposed redesign before plans go before council cabinet members.

Out of a total council budget for 2025/26 of £367m, adult social care costs £139m dealing with 6,548 active cases plus 358 people transitioning from children’s care to adult social care and 4,900 receiving a service.

The report, signed by Emma Matthews, Dudley interim director of adult social care, said: “By 2040, the number of people aged 18 to 64 in Dudley predicted to have a common mental disorder is expected to increase to 38,285, with similar upward trends across other conditions such as borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and psychotic disorders. 

“These projections reinforce the urgent need for a prevention-first operating model that can both meet rising levels of need and reduce the likelihood of escalation into statutory services.”

The ageing population is a big factor in predicted rising demand for social care, 19 percent of the borough’s 331,900 residents are over 65 although life expectancy, 60.7 years for men and 60.6 years for women, is slightly lower than the national average.

The report added: “The move towards focusing on prevention is driving much health and social care innovation, allowing people to stay well and independent and not have to enter services prematurely. 

“Not only is this good for people who need low levels of support but can make the whole system more financially sustainable.”

Research from the Local Government Association found for every £1 spent on prevention, £3.17 is saved by not having to provide care.

Although the details of the review are yet to be finalised, councillors at the committee meeting on September 22 will be told at least 40 percent of people referred to adult social care are not eligible for support and sent to other services.

The review will aim to make adult social care better at managing demand, the report concludes: “If changes are made to the structure at the point of access, major consideration can be given to prevent an escalation of individual problems in the community before people have the need to approach adult social care.”