Local government must shift its focus from agency margins, the 10%, to the workforce systems driving 90% of cost and instability. Sustainable progress depends on temp‑to‑perm pathways, EVP, workforce planning, MSP partnerships, and social value tied to skills. Leaders at every level must act now to reduce dependency, rebuild capacity, and secure a financially sustainable workforce for the future.

Discover the true financial scale of England’s care and support services. This blog explores the rising costs of adult social care (£34.5bn), children’s social services, SEND provision (£10.5bn+), and temporary accommodation (£2.8bn). With over £50bn spent annually, we unpack what’s driving these pressures, the implications for local government, and why urgent reform is needed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable public service delivery.