2 young people hugging each other. On the left is a wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy and wearing red headphones, on the right is a young man wearing a blue jumper.

Social care packages for young adults with complex needs rise by 30%, ADASS survey reveals

Social care packages for young adults costing more than £7,000 per week have risen by 30%, according to a new survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).

The packages are for those with the most complex needs, including profound physical disabilities, significant learning disabilities, severe neurodivergence, and enduring or high-risk mental health conditions such as complex trauma.

The ADASS survey estimates that 712 young people aged 18-24 had a care package of more than £7,000 per week in 2025, up from 547 last year.

Directors say the sharp increase has been driven by the growing complexity of care and support needs, the transfer of support from health to local government care without associated funding, pressures on local government finances and workforce challenges.

ADASS is predicting a £623 million overspend for 2025/26, the largest overspend at this point of year in the post Covid-19 era, due to mounting demand for care for people with complex needs.

The overspend is equivalent to 3% of adult social care budget in councils in England. 

The survey also found that half of Directors do not have an agreement in place with health partners on funding, training or competency frameworks for staff.

Jess McGregor, ADASS President and Executive Director Adults and Health at Camden Council, said: “Councils overspending on adult social care isn’t about abstract numbers — it’s about the unmet needs of real people.

“Nowhere is this more evident than for young adults with complex needs, whose care and support ensures they can live full and independent lives. The underfunding of adult social care is forcing councils to make impossible choices – trying to balance financial sustainability with doing the right thing for those who rely on us.”

In light of the findings, ADASS has called on the Treasury for investment in preparation for adulthood, aligned with statutory guidance across the Department of Health and Social Care; a national set of standards developed with young people and families; and funding for the Fair Pay Agreement implementation and cost pressures arising from the Employment Rights Bills so that funding pay increases doesn’t fall to councils already under strain.