URGENT UPDATE: Nottinghamshire County Council has just announced a staggering need for an additional £53 million to secure supported living accommodation for young adults with learning disabilities. This urgent funding requirement is driven by a projected need for over 500 extra units within the next five years, according to a decision document released earlier today.
The council’s assessment highlights the necessity for 523 additional accommodation units to meet the growing demand among working-age adults requiring support. Currently, only 83 units have been identified through partnerships with developers, anticipated to be available between spring 2025 and early 2027-28. If the council successfully acquires the remaining units, the overall expenditure on supported accommodation will soar, further straining the budget.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Nottinghamshire County Council spent £84.4 million on similar accommodations, already exceeding its budget by £8.5 million. The council’s adult social care department is now tasked with covering this additional £53 million by reallocating funds from other services or integrating it into future financial planning.
“We’re focused on making sure people get the right care in the right place — and that it’s good value for money too,” said Barry Answer, cabinet member for adult social care.
The urgency of this situation stems from the financial advantages of supported living compared to traditional residential care. The average cost of residential services is approximately £1,968 per week per person in Nottinghamshire, while supported living ranges between £616 and £1,560 weekly. This transition could save the council around £540 weekly for each individual moving to supported living.
As demand for adult social care surges — with 36% growth in net spending on learning disability services since 2019 — the pressure on local budgets continues to escalate. In the last fiscal year, the adult social care portfolio faced a £20.5 million overspend, largely driven by increased care costs due to changes in the National Living Wage.
Looking forward, the council plans to launch a new multi-provider framework in Autumn 2025, allowing housing providers to bid for projects that will meet current accommodation needs. This initiative aims to streamline the procurement process and potentially expedite the availability of necessary units within 12 to 30 months.
Officials are under immense pressure to ensure that adequate housing options are provided, balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to offer quality care to young adults with learning disabilities. As this situation develops, the community is left to wonder how the council will navigate the financial challenges ahead and ensure that these vulnerable populations receive the support they need.
This urgent matter is a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by local authorities across the UK, as they strive to meet increasing demands amid budget constraints.
