Scotland’s social care story is one of people, communities and the systems that help us live well. Our Funding Week – Stats & Rates infographic highlights why investing in adult social care is not a cost, but a vital investment in Scotland’s wellbeing, economy and future.
Behind every statistic are real people – those who draw on support, the workforce who provide it, and the families and communities who rely on care being there when it matters.
1. Investment with Impact – and the Opportunity to Create Value
Evidence shows that every £1 invested in adult social care generates £1.98 in societal benefits. This return is felt across communities – supporting people to live independently, strengthening families, and helping relieve pressure on the NHS.
Social care is essential public infrastructure. When it is funded well, it acts preventatively, supporting people earlier and enabling better outcomes for individuals and the wider system.
2. Growing Demand – and the Opportunity to Plan for the Future
Scotland’s population is ageing and care needs are becoming more complex. Analysis indicates that social care expenditure requires 3-4% real‑terms annual growth to keep pace with this changing demand.
This presents a clear opportunity: to invest consistently and sustainably in care that is community‑based, preventative and designed around people’s lives -helping individuals stay well, connected and supported for longer.
3. Funding Balance – and the Opportunity for Alignment
Scotland currently spends around 7-8 times more on the NHS than on social care, despite how closely the two systems depend on one another.
Social care plays a crucial role in preventing avoidable hospital admissions, supporting timely discharge and enabling people to live well in their own communities. Aligning investment more closely with this reality is key to building a sustainable, joined‑up system of support.
4. Care Rates -and the Opportunity for Fairness and Sustainability
Care rates tell an important story about the sustainability of the system:
- £6.02 per hour is paid for someone to be cared for in a nursing home 24/7
- £32.88 per hour is the recommended minimum rate for homecare in Scotland
- No Scottish local authority currently pays this recommended rate
These figures highlight the gap between the true cost of delivering high‑quality, dignified care and the funding currently available. Addressing this gap is essential to support services, value the workforce and ensure care can continue to create positive outcomes for people across Scotland.
Why These Numbers Matter
Each statistic represents real lives – older people, disabled people, families, carers, staff and communities. When funding does not keep pace with need, people risk longer waits, reduced choice and avoidable pressure on health services.
But these numbers also point to possibility.
They show the opportunity to build a future where:
- Care Creates value through investment that delivers social and economic return
- Care Creates sustainability by funding services in line with real demand and cost
- Care Creates fairness through rates that reflect the true value of care and those who provide it
This is the story we’re telling together.
Through the Care Creates campaign, we’re inviting Scotland to see social care as the essential public infrastructure it is – foundational, preventative and full of opportunity when we invest in it like it matters.
#CareCreates
