As the spiralling cost of social services escalates, many of England's largest councils are being compelled to prioritize adult and children's social care over essential services, facing a grave financial crisis that risks insolvency.
The County Councils Network estimates that without increased government funding, English councils may confront a £6.3 billion budget deficit over the coming two years, which could balloon to £54 billion by 2030.
Council leaders express concern that if current trends continue, councils could become predominantly care authorities, leading to a future where arts, youth clubs, and other valuable services are sacrificed.
The recent survey among CCN's member authorities indicates a worrying scenario: 16 councils could potentially face insolvency by 2026 unless the government intervenes to mitigate the imposed financial strain.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]