UPDATE: Nottinghamshire County Council is dealing with a shocking £53 million shortfall for supported living accommodation aimed at young adults with learning disabilities. The urgent need for over 500 additional units has just been announced, and the council plans to divert funds to cover the deficit.
New reports confirm that the council is on a tight deadline to secure 523 extra accommodation units within the next five years. This demand stems from a growing population of working-age adults who require supportive living arrangements. The council has identified 83 units in partnership with developers, which are expected to be operational between Spring 2025 and 2027.
This urgent need comes on top of an already substantial expense of £84.4 million allocated for this financial year, which represents an £8.5 million overspend against the budget. The council’s adult social care department is scrambling to cover the impending £53 million expenditure by reallocating funds from other services.
“We are confident this is within existing care budgets. We are using the normal development procurement routes to procure this accommodation,”
said a council spokesperson, although specific details on potential cuts to adult social care services remain unclear.
Officials emphasize that sourcing supported living is significantly more cost-effective than residential care. The average weekly cost for residential services is approximately £1,968, while supported living ranges between £616 and £1,560. Each transition from residential care to supported living is estimated to save the council around £540 per week.
Barry Answer, cabinet member for adult social care, stated, “We’re focused on making sure people get the right care in the right place — and that it’s good value for money too. This approach gives people better outcomes and helps us use public money wisely.”
The demand for adult social care services has surged, with a 36% increase in net spending on learning disability services across Nottinghamshire from 2019 to 2024. The 2024-25 financial year alone saw a £20.5 million overspend in the Adult Social Care portfolio, mainly due to rising costs linked to the National Living Wage.
To tackle these challenges, the council is set to launch a new multi-provider framework in Autumn 2025. This initiative will create a list of approved housing providers who can bid to deliver the necessary accommodation, with properties expected to be available within 12 to 30 months.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as families and individuals with learning disabilities are relying on the council to act swiftly. The need for adequate supported living arrangements is critical to ensuring these young adults can live independently and receive the care they deserve.
As Nottinghamshire County Council navigates this complex landscape, the community awaits clarity on how the council will fulfill its obligations without compromising other essential services. The next steps in this developing story will be crucial for the thousands of families impacted by these decisions.