UPDATE: Nottinghamshire County Council is confronting an urgent financial challenge, needing an additional £53 million to provide supported living accommodation for young adults with learning disabilities. This critical funding shortfall comes as the council projects a demand for over 523 new accommodation units within the next five years.
In a newly released document, the council outlines its strategy to address the pressing need for supported living options for working-age adults. The authority reports that it has already identified 83 units through partnerships with developers, set to be ready between spring 2025 and early 2027-28.
The need for these accommodations is clear: the average cost for residential care services in Nottinghamshire is a staggering £1,968 per week per person, compared to £616 to £1,560 for supported living. By transitioning individuals from residential care to supported living, the council estimates a savings of £540 per week for each person moved.
The urgency of this situation is compounded by the council’s previous overspend. In the 2024-25 financial year, the council already faced an £8.5 million overspend on adult social care, a portfolio significantly strained by rising costs and demand. The additional £53 million needed for new units adds pressure on an already stretched budget.
“We’re focused on making sure people get the right care in the right place — and that it’s good value for money too,” stated Barry Answer, cabinet member for adult social care. “This means people can live more independently, with their own front door, and get the care they need.”
The council is exploring options to alleviate this financial burden by diverting funds from other services or implementing new budget strategies. However, they did not provide detailed information on which specific services might face cuts. The council reassured that it believes this expenditure can be managed within existing care budgets.
Nottinghamshire’s adult social care budget has experienced significant growth, with a 36% increase in spending on learning disability services from 2019 to 2024. The existing budget challenges are exacerbated by an unfunded increase in the National Living Wage, which has further inflated care costs.
As part of their long-term strategy, the council plans to launch a new framework in Autumn 2025, which will enable multiple housing providers to bid for contracts to supply necessary accommodations. This framework is expected to streamline the process of sourcing new living spaces, potentially reducing the time for new units to come online.
This urgent need for accommodation reflects a broader trend across the UK, where councils are grappling with rising demands for adult social care amid budget constraints. The Nottinghamshire situation serves as a crucial example of the challenges many local authorities face in balancing care needs with fiscal responsibility.
As the council continues to navigate this financial landscape, the immediate focus remains on securing the necessary accommodations to ensure that vulnerable young adults receive the support they need to live independently and thrive.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Nottinghamshire County Council works to address this critical need.
