Councillor warns Welsh social care cannot be stretched

A councillor has warned that social care cannot be stretched further without consequences, amid growing funding pressures.

Teresa Heron, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for social care, has joined calls for the Welsh Government to provide greater financial support for the sector, describing social care as "fundamental" to people's wellbeing and independence.

Her comments follow a warning from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) that councils face a projected £207 million financial pressure in social care in 2027-28.

Councillor Jane Gebbie, WLGA spokesperson for health and social care, said: "Social care is under huge pressure, and we cannot keep stretching services further without consequences.

"Despite these pressures, local authority social care services across Wales continue to be rated good or excellent by regulators.

"Next week’s draft budget must deliver the sustainable investment councils need to protect services, support our communities, and prevent people reaching crisis point."

Councillor Heron said the message from the WLGA “reinforces what many of us working in local government already know.”

She said: "Social care is not a secondary service.

"It is fundamental to people's wellbeing, independence and quality of life, and sustainable investment will be essential if councils are to continue meeting growing needs in the years ahead."