Demand for both NHS and social care services is increasing rapidly, due to growing demographic pressure from an ageing population and an increasing number of people living with complex care needs. Funding is not keeping pace with demand.

This Briefing outlines the current demographic and financial realities of social care and how these impact upon the NHS. 

It shows the additional pressure that will be put upon the health and care system in the coming years; and it sets out the NHS Confederation’s recommendations for a lasting solution for the funding of social care and a redoubling of efforts to integrate care. We are calling for a cross-party consensus on solving the challenges raised.