Fixing care is the only way to end the Devon County Council funding doom loop

Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley has warned that the spiralling cost of social care is harming Devon County Council’s ability to deliver key services.

Total spending on social care by local authorities reached a record £29.3bn in 2024/2025, up by £12.4bn since 2015/16. This means social care now accounts for up to 80% of council budgets, which have already had to make vast cuts to other council services.

Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat MP for the Newton Abbot constituency, has now warned that any further cuts to social care funding could be “the point of no return” for the sector, and urged the Government to intervene, with new investment to relieve councils, tackle carer vacancies, and offer free personal care to those currently suffering without support. The party has argued that new investment in social care, by helping more people leave hospital could end the A&E crisis and corridor care within a year, and save money on expensive hospital stays.

Martin also called on the Government to finish its commission on social care, which is currently scheduled to be completed in three years time, with reforms reportedly potentially not in place until 2036.

Public satisfaction with social care is at 13% and dissatisfaction is nearly 50%, research by the Kings Fund has found. 

Martin said:

“Devon County Council is being stretched to breaking point by spiralling social care costs, which in turn harms their ability to deliver other key services.

“This social care crisis is the elephant in the room. And the Liberal Democrats are the only party talking about it.

“The Liberal Democrats will fix social care, making sure vulnerable people get the care they need while freeing up councils to focus on filling potholes, cleaner streets and better local services.”