Our analyses found widespread reductions in the period 2005/06 to 2012/13 in both the observed
and standardised estimates of number of adults receiving state-funded social care services on 31
March each year.
Across all user groups, approximately 320,000 fewer people received local authority
brokered social care in 2012/13 than in 2005/6. This represents a 26% reduction in the
number of recipients of care. Once socio demographic changes are taken into account, our
data suggest a decrease of 453,000 (36%) individuals being served if service coverage had
been maintained at the levels observed in 2005/6.
Reductions in the number of clients are particularly acute for older people: 260,000 or 31%
fewer older people received services in 2012/13 than in 2005/6 (observed data). The
standardised estimate of reduction was greater: 333,000 or 39% fewer clients.
Approximately 37,000 or 24% fewer adults aged 18-64 with physical disabilities received
social care support in 2012/13 than in 2005/6. The standard estimate showed a reduction of
50,000 or 33%.
A reduction of 30,000 (21%) was observed in the number of service recipients aged 18-64
with mental health problems. The standardised estimate for this group showed the largest
proportional fall in the volume of service recipients: a reduction of 48%.
In contrast with the other client groups, the observed data showed an increase of
approximately 7,000 (5%) additional adults aged 18-64 with learning disabilities receiving
services. However, the standardised indicator of changes in client numbers suggest a fall in
activity, with approximately 7,000 fewer service recipients in 2012/13 than in 2005/6.
The biggest reductions in the number of service recipients observed for individuals receiving services
in the community rather than in institutional services.