Early action to prevent care needs escalating ‘could save £11bn in six years’

Local Government Association analysis of 10 early interventions showed they delivered savings of £3.17 for every pound spent on them (Alamy/PA) -

Scaling up early interventions to prevent social care needs escalating could save the public purse £11 billion within six years, according to research.

But despite a boost in council funding next year, local authorities warn that demand for urgent care alongside increases in wages and national insurance mean they will find it difficult to invest in key initiatives to help people maintain health, independence and avoid crisis.