Care

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) says tens of thousands of individuals with support needs contacted social services for help during the coronavirus crisis.

ADASS said a survey of councils across England found sharp increases in requests for help from people being discharged from hospital, fleeing from domestic abuse, or losing their regular support from unpaid carers who are themselves at breaking point.

Four out of five local authorities have seen children’s placement costs rise during the pandemic, according to official figures.