Social Work Scotland calls for a national conversation on social care funding

Reports published throughout the week of 26 January 2026, bring together disabled people and social workers to call for a new conversation on social care.

Social Work Scotland and SASW have taken a rare step in bringing together the perspectives of social workers with those of disabled people and unpaid carers. A recent survey and qualitative research exploring the impact of changes to SDS personal budgets, suggest an immediate need for a more plural, less polarised conversation about Scotland’s social care system.

“We’re proud to have facilitated this work with SASW and other partners, and believe it offers a unique, wider perspective on how funding, policy, and governance decisions affect real lives,” said Neil Gibson, Adults Social Work Policy and Practice Lead, Social Work Scotland.

Published together alongside an overview report from Social Work Scotland, the research results from disabled people and unpaid carers, and survey results from social workers show the mirrored experiences of people relying on support with the those delivering it, and the results are harrowing.

“Hearing these voices together highlights the human impact of a system under strain due to growing demand, workforce instability, and short-term, fragmented funding which we can say is currently threatening the delivery of statutory duties and sustainability of care. By uniting lived experience and workforce voices, we want to foster collective problem-solving and a renewed commitment to rebuilding a trusted, sustainable and valued social care system. This can only happen when we stop managing scarcity and start investing in people and prevention. Care is not a cost to be measured, but a means to people in Scotland leading dignified lives,” said Neil Gibson, Adults Social Work Policy and Practice Lead, Social Work Scotland.

The findings are stark but unsurprising. Disabled people and unpaid carers report rising unmet need and reduced flexibility, while social workers describe being forced to ration services and manage risk under increasing pressure. Published together, these voices highlight the human impact of a system under strain: growing demand, workforce instability, and short-term, fragmented funding threaten the delivery of statutory duties and the sustainability of care.

In response, Social Work Scotland is calling for a different kind of national conversation – one that brings together communities, politicians, statutory partners, and organisations representing people who receive support, to address the widening gap between need and resources.

Investment in adult social care generates demonstrable social and economic returns, robust evidence demonstrates that every £1 invested in adult social care generates £1.98 in societal benefits (SSSC/Skills for Care and Development Alliance, 2025), challenging the perception of care as a discretionary cost.

Whilst not about blame, the report is a catalyst for dialogue and calls for serious action and a new kind of conversation to ensure that care in Scotland is dignified, equitable, and effective for all.

All 4 reports can be found here.