Local authorities with responsibility for social care spent a net £42.8bn on the two areas in 2025-26, a record 71.9% of combined core spending, according to Guardian analysis of Government figures.

Adult social care took 44.5% and children's services 27.4%, up from 62.4% in 2017-18.

An ageing population with more complex needs, inflation and rising demand for children's services are pushing many councils towards bankruptcy.

The figures come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged at Labour conference to build a National Care Service, free at the point of use. He said the triple lock would change from 2030 to help fund it, and asked Baroness Casey to complete her review by summer 2027. Estimates put the cost at more than £18bn a year by 2035.