Social care assessment waiting list up by almost 25%, data shows

The number of people in Scotland estimated to be waiting on a social care assessment for a package of care has increased by almost 25% since last year, according to new data.

Figures from Public Health Scotland published on Tuesday reveal that as of September 8, there were 10,897 people waiting on social care assessments and care at home packages.

Of those on the waiting list, 7,762 people were estimated to be waiting on a social care assessment for a care package to enable them to live independently at home or in the community.

The new statistics show an almost 25% increase on the number of people waiting waiting on a social care assessment for a care package at the same time last year.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said he is urging the SNP government to do much more to tackle the social care crisis.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “Due to the failures of this SNP government, more and more people are stuck in hospital waiting for care packages and assessments when they want to be getting on with their lives.

“You can’t fix the NHS unless you fix care, because the more patients are delayed in leaving hospital, the longer people wait at A&E, and the longer ambulances wait outside the front door.

“Only Scottish Liberal Democrats are focused on repairing the crisis in social care and unpicking the damage done by the SNP.

“We secured millions more through our budget negotiations on care and this is money which can start unpicking years of damage caused by the SNP.

“Whilst this money can be beneficial for the care sector, what is really needed is a change of government.”

The number of people waiting on social care is the highest its been since 2023.

A Scottish charity for older people has also expressed concern over the rise in the number of people waiting to be assessed for social care.

Age Scotland is asking politicians and the government to “grab the bull by the horns” and work together to find a solution to the social care waiting lists.

Age Scotland’s chief executive, Katherine Crawford, said: “There are far too many older people experiencing challenges accessing the social care system – the highest number in the last two years.

“They are facing longer waiting times than ever for social care assessments and for the delivery of care packages that would drastically improve their quality of life.

“Politicians and government need to grab the bull by the horns and work together to fix social care. There has been no tangible progress made in recent years and, if anything, it feels like things are getting worse for older people in need of social care in Scotland.

“This needs to get back onto the political agenda before the next election and politicians need to prioritise and agree how to properly fund and deliver social care, through a system with improved clarity around accountability and responsibility. Reform can’t come soon enough. We can’t afford another failed attempt to reform such a vital service.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are working tirelessly to improve outcomes for those who need or receive social care. Our priority is to safeguard these essential services that the people of Scotland both value and rely on.

“Local healthcare partners continue to prioritise individuals with the greatest care needs.

“In the 2025–26 budget, we have allocated over £15 billion to the Local Government Settlement and nearly £2.2 billion to social care and integration — surpassing our commitment to increase funding by 25%, with an uplift of almost £350 million.

“The total financial envelope for Health and Social Care now stands at a record £21.7 billion.

“We are actively engaging with health and social care sectors to understand the financial challenges they face.

“At the same time, we continue to press the UK Government on key concerns raised by the sector, including the impact of rising employer national insurance contributions and increasingly restrictive migration policies — both of which are placing significant financial pressure on local authorities and care providers.”