Budget 2026: Protecting care and independence in challenging times

North Lincolnshire Council is putting vulnerable adults first, protecting frontline care and support at a time when many councils are being forced to cut back.

This year alone, changes to employer national insurance, living wage increases and wider inflationary pressures have added around £6m in costs simply to stand still.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults, health and communities, said: “We are facing real cost pressures that are outside our control, and they fall hardest on services that rely on dedicated staff supporting vulnerable people.

“These are unavoidable, workforce-driven costs that land directly in social care.”

Against that backdrop, the 2026/27 council budget prioritises independence, prevention and dignity.

It protects frontline care provision and strengthens community-based support that helps older residents and people with disabilities live safely and well in their own homes, rather than waiting for crisis to strike.

Cllr Hannigan added: “Millions of pounds of costs were added this year alone to simply to keep the service where it is – and that has created a situation where we have had to make hard choices to protect care.

“We have a duty to make sure that people who rely on us continue to receive the support they need – independence and dignity are not luxuries – they are fundamental and even in difficult circumstances, we will prioritise support that keeps people connected to their communities and living well at home.”

The investment forms part of the council’s four-year financial plan, agreed by Full Council, which focuses on protecting the most vulnerable while continuing to deliver the services and improvements residents care about most.