Research on NHS and Local Authority Care Funding Alignment

The Local Government Association (LGA) is seeking a supplier to conduct policy research examining how NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding decisions affect local authority adult social care spending. Recent data shows that 75% of local authorities report increased CHC-eligible individuals presenting to social care services, while 84% cite NHS disinvestment in CHC as a driver of adult social care budget pressures. Research also indicates CHC eligibility rates have fallen significantly despite unchanged national criteria, with substantial variation across regions. The research should investigate: how cost misalignment issues are affecting local areas; whether current funding structures create competing incentives between health and social care organisations; the impact on councils, the NHS, service users, and unpaid carers; and potential reforms to better align health and social care funding and accountability. The findings will support the LGA's future policy development and engagement with government and national partners on whole-system care financing.