Adult social care a huge challenge for new Council

August 2026

From April 2028 onwards, there will be just two councils in Warwickshire, one for the North and one for the South. These two 'unitary' bodies will replace the current district, borough and county councils. The area covered by Stratford and Warwick District Councils will be administered by a new South Warwickshire Council.

Work has already started to make sure there is a smooth transition. This will mean combining the services currently offered separately by Stratford and Warwick District Councils and Warwickshire County Council.

Bringing together services such as housing, public health, leisure, greenspaces, community support and social care should result in better outcomes for residents. Local knowledge, expert help and key partnerships will be essential.  Several best practice initiatives have already been studied and were highlighted in the successful submission to government on the benefits of a South Warwickshire unitary council.

This new unitary council will have a unique opportunity to rethink services for the future. However, we will need government to give proper financial support. One of the largest items in the County Council’s budget is Adult Social Care. Along with Special Educational Needs, it accounts for about two-thirds of the County’s total budget.

Adult Social Care is currently the subject of discussions at a national level. Baroness Casey is leading a Commission looking at the current system: what it provides, how it will need to change in the future, who will be responsible, how it will be funded and the priorities for residents.

Baroness Casey has called for an honest conversation on what changes are needed to meet future needs and on recognising the differences between NHS Care and Adult Social Care. She has highlighted specific challenges with finance and shortages in domiciliary care as well as a lack of extra care provision These are issues that a new unitary council must consider as it transitions to new services. It will be in a position to address what needs to be done and it must get the balance right for our residents and rural communities.

We are all living longer - which is something to celebrate, and we are all keen to retain our independence as we grow older. However, in areas such as Stratford-upon-Avon, a significant percentage of the population is 65 and over. Living longer also means a rise in illnesses such as dementia and cancer. More of us could need care as we age and we will all want to be treated with dignity and compassion.

The District Council currently supports services that assist us all as we grow older including services such as the IndieGo Plus bus service, the VASA volunteer driver services and Citizens Advice Services. Financial advice is given for households struggling to pay energy costs, and leisure services are funded to keep people healthy and active longer.

These services married to the current Adult Social Care services – and any changes that may come from government because of the Casey Review – should give residents the assurance that they will have access to the support they need as they grow older.

Adult Social Care is only one of the many challenges ahead for the new unitary. The next two years will see us map these challenges, manage the transition, develop simpler, stronger and more efficient local government, whilst keeping councils closer to the people we serve.