In its submission to the 10-Year Health Plan consultation, the Local Government Association (LGA) said a standalone plan which prioritises and recognises the full value of adult social care is crucial to giving the Government's ambitions for the NHS the best chance of success.

Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘It's good to see the NHS getting a long-term plan, but adult social care needs the same level of focus and commitment at the top of Government. A 10-Year Plan for adult social care is vital to making sure the NHS and social care best work together to improve people's lives and life chances.'

Almost three-quarters (72%) of councils overspent their social care budgets in 2023/24, with many using reserves to cover the shortfall.

The LGA said the increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will significantly increase costs for councils and the wider social care sector next year.

It said these pressures, compounded by inflation, demography and National Living Wage rises, were putting vital services at significant risk of collapse.

The DHSC said delivering and funding adult social care would be addressed through a separate plan to deliver a new National Care Service.

A spokesperson said: ‘This Government is determined to tackle the significant challenges facing adult social care and build a National Care Service so everybody can access the high-quality care they deserve.

‘The 10-Year Health Plan will enable health and social care services to work together better to provide that joined-up care.

‘The chancellor has also announced £680m of new social care funding, as well as an £86m increase for the Disabled Facilities Grant, which are part of a wider package to bolster support for councils.'