New data reveals thousands of adults in Hertfordshire use social care services
More than 38,000 adults in Hertfordshire are being supported by the county council’s adult care services each year, with an average of 1,500 requests for help each week.
The statistics were unveiled in the proposed adult services care plan, showing in stark detail the financial pressures facing the authority.
Just two months ago, HCC laid out plans for its £1.2 billion budget for front-line services in 2026-27, the financial year starting April 1, with almost half (£563 million) earmarked for adult care services.
The key facts unveiled in the plan show there were 78,333 requests for help last year for 40,671 people. This is the equivalent of 1,500 requests a week, covering one in 13 adults.
Of these, 23,103 (29%) were for working-age adults while 55,230 (71%) were for older adults.
The data showed 49,662 assessments were carried out for adults and carers, with an additional 29,498 reviews of existing support.
Last year, one in every 32 adults in Hertfordshire received some sort of social care, with 30,628 going through the system. Of these, 10,462 (34%) were working-age adults and 20,223 (66%) were older adults.
The draft plan states: “Adult Care Services support more than 38,000 adults in Hertfordshire each year with information and advice, longer-term care services and short-term help in areas such as supporting people to leave hospital and get back on their feet.
“People are at the heart of how we work, supporting them to be in control of the care and support they receive. We are committed to delivering high standards of care and support people to lead healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.
“The social care workforce in Hertfordshire is an estimated 32,000 people, making a large contribution to the wider economy and acting as crucial social infrastructure that underpins economic activity.
“We work closely with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, the NHS and care providers. This plan has been developed in collaboration with them as well as people who draw on services, carers and our staff.
“It focuses on improving the things we’ve been told are important to support people. It also includes some of our key performance targets that all councils are measured against.”