There has been a 41 per cent increase in contacts made to Wiltshire Council’s adult social care services since April 2023.

This has resulted in a 26 per cent increase in allocations for staff in the same time period.

Although the council has reported an improved performance of the service alongside these pressures, it has been noted that the increase represents “increasing demand at a rate greater than our population growth”.

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Wiltshire Council's health select committee.Wiltshire Council's health select committee. (Image: Wiltshire Council) This information was presented to the health select committee at its meeting on Wednesday, November 20.

The demand for adult social care services is increasing due to demographic changes, as well as complex mental health needs.

Adult social care remains a financial challenge for the council, with a current forecast overspend of £6.2m for the sector this financial year.

Waiting list figures for care act assessments.Waiting list figures for care act assessments. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

However, the number of people waiting for a care act assessment has reduced significantly since April 2023.

Wiltshire Council’s director for adult social care, Emma Legg, told the health select committee that a priority was going to be “maintaining and improving” this reduced number.

Meanwhile, there is a steady increase in demand for residential placements for people over the age of 65.