Trends and variations in per capita expenditure on adult intellectual disabilities health and social care across Scotland, and by urban/rural class.

BACKGROUND

Following the global financial crisis in 2007/08, the UK implemented an austerity programme which may impact on services. Scotland comprises both densely populated urban conurbations and highly dispersed remote rural and island communities.

METHOD: Expenditure data were extracted from Scottish Government statistics. Per capita expenditure was calculated using adjusted Scotland's 2011 census data.

RESULTS

There was a 3.41% decrease in real term expenditure on adult intellectual disabilities services between 2012/13 and 2014/15 (>£32 million). In 2014/15, per capita expenditure on adult intellectual disabilities health care ranged from £1,211 to £17,595; social care from £21,147 to £83,831; and combined health and social care expenditures from £37,703 to £85,929. Per capita expenditure on combined health and social care was greater in rural areas, with more on intellectual disabilities social care, though less on health care.

CONCLUSIONS

Scottish expenditure on adult intellectual disabilities services has not kept abreast of rising living costs. It varies considerably across the country: a postcode lottery.