Devon council propose social care boost

Devon’s most vulnerable adults and children could benefit from increased funding next year under proposals outlined in the county council’s draft budget for 2025/26.

New figures, published December 24, reveal an 8.2 percent rise in the revenue budget for adult services, alongside a 5.5 percent increase for children’s services. Climate change, environment, and transport budgets are also set to grow by 3.4 percent.

Despite cuts in other departmental spending, the council’s overall budget will rise by 5.9 percent, totalling £784.1 million.

The proposals will go before the Cabinet in January, with the full council set to debate and vote on the budget in February.

In a report accompanying the budget figures, Director of Finance Angie Sinclair highlighted the council’s efforts to manage rising costs. She said: “Inflationary pressures continue to be felt across the economy, local government, and our partners, despite the rate of inflation reducing in the past two years from its peak.

“Social care is particularly impacted by increases to the national living wage, which is again increased by above inflation, and the increases to National Insurance announced in the Chancellor’s Budget.”

The council’s proposed budget includes £31.9 million to address inflation and national living wage increases, alongside £33.8 million for demand and other spending priorities.

However, to balance the books, the authority has identified £21.7 million in savings, alternative funding, and additional income.

Ms Sinclair noted: “Overall, there is additional funding of £44 million, or 5.9%, for services next year compared to the adjusted base budget. This reflects a strategy of ‘living within our means’ and setting service budgets that are affordable within anticipated income and funding totals for next year.”

Notably, there are no plans to use council reserves to bolster spending, aligning with the council’s commitment to financial sustainability.

However, Devon faces challenges in securing government support. The council will lose £10.1 million in funding for rural areas, with the money reallocated to areas of deprivation.

As a result, Devon will see the smallest funding settlement increase of any of England’s 21 county councils.

The budget proposals reflect ongoing efforts to balance rising demand for services with financial constraints.

The final decision will rest with councillors early next year.