What the New Adult Social Care Priorities Mean for People in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

News - 27 January 2026

New government priorities for adult social care have been published, but what do they really mean for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough?

From independence and choice to workforce pressures and joined-up care, we take a closer look at the Adult Social Care Priorities for Local Authorities 2026–27 and explain what could change, what should stay the same, and why listening to people’s experiences matters more than ever.
older man being hoisted at home by carer

The government has published its Adult Social Care Priorities for Local Authorities for 2026–27, setting out what councils across England are expected to focus on in adult social care over the coming year. 

We know that adult social care affects many people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, whether it’s support at home, help with daily tasks, care in a care home, or help for carers. That’s why it’s important to share what these new priorities mean.

What is this announcement about?

This government document sets national expectations for how local authorities should deliver adult social care. It is not new law, but it does guide councils on what the government believes good support should look like. 

It also includes figures that local authorities can use as a reference point for planning their budgets for the next few years. 

Three Main Priorities

The priorities are grouped around three main goals that local authorities are expected to work towards:

1. High-Quality Care and Support

People who need care and their carers should receive support that is safe, respectful, and delivered by a skilled and supported workforce. This means staff should have the right training and conditions to do their jobs well. 

2. Independence, Choice, and Control

People should be supported to stay as independent as possible and to make decisions about their own care, with information and control over how support is delivered. 

3. Better Joined-Up Health and Social Care

The document highlights the importance of health and social care working together more effectively. This means services should be better co-ordinated so that people don’t have to repeat their story to different professionals. 

These priorities build on the government’s ambition of creating a national care service in the future, a long-term vision of care that works consistently across the country. 

What Does This Mean Locally?

For people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the priorities shine a spotlight on what good local services should aim for:

  • Better support for independence and dignity.
    This includes helping people stay in their homes if they choose to, and making sure services respect what matters to them most.
  • Workforce investment.
    A stronger, well-trained care workforce, including home care and care home staff, is vital. Local authorities must think about how to attract and retain skilled workers in our area.
  • Joined-up pathways with health services.
    For example, when people leave hospital and return home, care and support should be seamless so that people’s needs are met quickly and without confusion.

Important Points to Know

  • These priorities do not replace existing legal duties that councils must follow under the Care Act 2014. Councils still have to assess needs and provide eligible support.
  • The expectations reflect a shared national vision, but local councils still decide how to best organise services based on local needs.
  • They also include a framework of data and metrics so local authorities and communities can see how well care is being delivered and where improvements are needed. 

Why This Matters

Adult social care is essential to many people’s quality of life, for older adults, working-age adults with disabilities, and unpaid carers. Setting clear priorities helps focus attention and resources on improving care, increasing choice, and making services more joined-up.

However, achieving these improvements will take time and effort, especially given ongoing pressures on funding and workforce challenges across the care sector. 

Our Role at Healthwatch

At Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we will continue to:

  • Listen to people’s lived experiences of care and support
  • Share what people tell us with local councils and partners
  • Help residents understand what changes mean in everyday life
  • Hold decision-makers accountable for improving services

We urge people who use care and support services, and carers, to let us know what’s working well and what’s not. Your experiences help shape better care for everyone. 

Complete our short social care survey here!

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What is Adult Social Care?

Do you or a loved one need help with everyday tasks, support at home, or care after illness or injury? Adult social care may be able to help.

Social care is different from the treatment you receive from the NHS. While it can include some medical support, social care focuses on practical help so people can live as independently as possible. This care is usually delivered at home, in a care home, or in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital.

Understanding what support is available – and how to pay for it – can feel overwhelming. Here are the key things you need to know.

✅ How do I get help through adult social care?

The first step is to contact your local council’s adult social care team and request an assessment.

Depending on your situation, you may receive:

A Care/Needs Assessment – if you need support yourself

A Carers Assessment – if you provide unpaid care for someone else

Discharge to Assess / Home First – if you have just left hospital and need support at home

NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) – for people with very complex medical needs and ongoing care requirements (this involves a separate assessment)

Assessments are free, and all adults aged 18 or over are entitled to one.

✅ Who can access adult social care?

You may be able to receive support if you are:

An older person

Living with a disability or long-term condition

Recovering from illness, surgery or hospital treatment

Struggling with daily activities at home

If you have family or friends helping with your care, you may not need to pay for all services. Unpaid carers can also receive support with training, wellbeing and respite breaks.

If you qualify, your council will work with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

✅ How do I pay for social care?

The council will carry out a financial assessment (often called a “means test”) to decide whether:

Your care will be free

You will contribute towards the cost

You will pay the full cost

This assessment looks at your income, savings, property and other financial assets.

If you qualify for financial support, your council will give you a personal budget that can be used to pay for local services.

Some people with very complex health needs may receive free NHS Continuing Healthcare. If not eligible, you may still qualify for NHS-funded nursing care, where the NHS pays for nursing support in a care home.

✅ What support can social care provide?

Local authorities are responsible for arranging care services. These may be delivered directly by the council, or by local care providers.

Support can include:

home care - personal care including task such as washing, dressing, personal hygiene and food preparation
residential/nursing care
supported accommodation/extra care housing
day services - social activities, meals, health support, meeting others
equipment/adaptations - to support independent living
information and advice
respite care - short-term care so unpaid carers can take time off
reablement - short-term support to help people regain skills after illness or injury

✅ Where can I get more information?

All local authorities have an information and advice service to help you understand:

Care assessments

Eligibility and financial support

Choosing care providers

Personal budgets

Advocacy

Safeguarding concern

If you or a loved one are struggling to get the social care you need, we want to hear from you. Your experiences help us challenge local services and improve support for everyone.

📞 Contact Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
📧 information service@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk



✅ What’s your experience?

Is getting the support you need too complicated?
Have you been refused care or struggled after hospital discharge?

Click on the link below, to access more Healthwatch England information, to contact Cambridgeshire County Council or to tell us your story.
Your feedback helps services improve.
Advice and Information