Rising demand for Adult Social Care in Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s adult social care (ASC) services have reported steady progress despite rising demand.

The report, covering May to October 2025, outlines improvements in waiting times as well as ongoing challenges with mental health assessments.

ASC refers to services and support provided by Portsmouth City Council to adults who need help because of age, disability, long-term conditions, or safeguarding concerns.

Adult Social Care includes assessments, home care, residential care, day services, support for carers, and help to stay independent in the community.

Andy Biddle, the city’s director of adult social care, presented the report to a Portsmouth City Council scrutiny panel.

Waiting lists

Waiting lists have improved in several areas. The number of overdue reviews fell from 160 in March to 64 in August, and learning disability reviews dropped from 144 in May to 89 in August. The acute hospital social work team even recorded “0 people waiting for a 7-day period in early October.”

Occupational therapy waiting lists peaked in July at 247. However, thanks to successful recruitment to some vacant posts, the waiting list was reduced to 212 by the end of September.

Mental health assessments

Portsmouth is facing mounting challenges in carrying out Mental Health Act assessments.

Severe shortages of specialist Section 12 doctors are causing major delays, with the report stating there is a “lack of available S12 doctors Monday to Friday.” As a result, more assessments are being pushed into evenings and weekends, increasing pressure on already stretched staff.

The situation is compounded by a shortage of mental health beds, limited police availability to assist with powers of entry, and difficulties securing interpreters at short notice.

The report also warns of “limited availability of places of safety,” meaning more people in crisis are being taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital emergency department while they wait to be assessed.

These pressures have contributed to a sharp rise in detentions under s136 of the Mental Health Act, which have “more than doubled since 2022.”

Stable finances

The council reported a £200,000 underspend in Adult Social Care against its £66m budget—an “unusual position” given rising demand in recent years.

The report says a new brokerage system for sourcing care-home placements is likely helping to reduce costs.

Carers

Most care in England isn’t delivered by formal services – it’s delivered by informal carers such as family members, friends, and neighbours.

Councillor Suzy Horton stressed the value of informal carers and asked whether there is any engagement with parliament to ensure their continued importance in the system.

Mr Biddle said that successive governments have “at least acknowledged that we depend on carers,” the value of which is “equivalent to another NHS.”

“That informal workforce is so fundamental to the quality of life and the outcomes for our residents who have care needs,” he added.

He argued that carer’s allowance, a weekly payment of £83.30 for 35 hours of care, is insufficient.