ADASS Autumn Survey: Challenges and Solutions in Adult Social Care

As you’ve most likely recently seen, the ADASS Autumn survey results have come out. As part of Tile Hill's partnership with ADASS, I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the discussion on what this means for Adult Social Care over the next six months and beyond. The latest findings from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Autumn Survey 2024 reveal the immense pressure councils are under to meet the growing demands of adult social care. From rising costs to an increase in complex cases, councils across England are navigating a shifting landscape that requires both immediate crisis management and a long-term, holistic approach to health and social care.

 The numbers tell a tough story: 81% of councils are projected to overspend their adult social care budgets this year—a significant rise from 72% last year—creating a shortfall of £564 million. As councils struggle to stay within budget, they’re making tough choices that often mean limiting funding for preventive services that could ultimately reduce costs and improve quality of life. Directors of adult social services are being pushed into crisis response mode, which restricts their ability to invest in workforce development, community-based support, and forward-thinking strategies that would allow for a more sustainable future.

 The survey underscores the importance of prevention, not only for the sake of reducing costs but for the positive impact on people’s lives. However, 83% of directors identify competing priorities, such as the urgent need to speed up hospital discharges, as major barriers to preventive strategies. Additionally, with no clear consensus on what counts as “prevention,” councils risk losing time and resources debating definitions rather than driving action. Despite these challenges, ADASS advocates for a stronger commitment to preventive initiatives, backed by clear guidelines and funding.

ADASS argues that for adult social care to truly thrive, the relationship between health and social care funding needs to be a two-way street. While social care already plays a huge role in easing NHS pressures, ADASS calls on the NHS to invest more directly in social care. This would enable earlier interventions and strengthen community support, ultimately reducing hospital admissions. Suggested investments include increased funding for social care professionals within crisis teams, as well as allied health support to ensure a smooth transition for individuals moving from hospital to home. By embedding social care as a fundamental part of the healthcare ecosystem, we can better serve people’s needs at every stage of their journey.

One of the most immediate issues highlighted in the survey is the lack of clarity around the local government finance settlement. With councils still waiting for financial confirmation at the time of the survey, there is little room for effective planning. This delay is putting an extra strain on budgets, making it difficult for councils to set clear strategies for meeting adult social care demands. ADASS calls on the Government to provide timely settlements, enabling councils to plan with confidence and uphold their responsibilities in adult social care.

 ADASS’s Proposals for a Sustainable Future
To address these pressing needs, ADASS has put forward a series of “investable propositions” designed to bring stability and create a foundation for the future of adult social care. These include:

• Securing Funding: Continuing all grant funding and adult social care precepts to ensure councils have the financial resources they need to deliver critical services.
• Expanding the Workforce: Aligning workforce planning with the Skills for Care and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists to bring in more allied health professionals and build a strong foundation for community care.
• Supporting Prevention: Offering one-off funding for councils to assess and expand prevention programs that are already showing promising results.
• Data Integration: Enhancing data sharing so councils have access to the full scope of health and social care information, allowing for more effective resource planning.

 The Role of Specialist Interim Leadership and How Tile Hill Can Help
As councils navigate these complex challenges, the role of agile, expert leadership is more important than ever. At Tile Hill, we’re seeing a growing demand for interim specialists who bring sector-specific knowledge and the flexibility to address urgent issues while laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable solutions. This demand is particularly high as local authorities face financial uncertainty and strive to integrate health and social care more closely.

An emerging trend is for experienced professionals to move from permanent positions into consultative or interim roles, allowing them to make focused, impactful contributions without long-term commitment. In parallel, many councils are investing in support for individuals stepping into senior roles for the first time. Coaching and mentoring are helping these new leaders “hit the ground running” as they navigate the challenges of today’s adult social care landscape.

Given the current demands on adult social care, the need for adaptable interim leadership is more critical than ever. At Tile Hill, we’re committed to finding the right talent to help councils manage through these transformative times, delivering leadership that is not only responsive but also ready to drive strategic change.