All local authorities conduct a wide range of benchmarking activities to better understand comparative performance and value across key services. We use this information:

• To inform budget setting
• To prioritise and drive improvements
• To ensure members have the opportunity to compare performance with other similar local authorities and regional neighbouring authorities

In 2021-22 we received 42,054 new requests for support compared to the previous years 72,431 (a change in reporting methodologies showed an increase in number for 2020-21).

The Adult Social Care numbers for Essex:

• 36.7% (15,443) of the new contacts went on to receive some form of support from the council, and 255 were resolved with advice or directed support in the community.
• 8,210 people used reablement services to help them regain their independence, and 70% of adults following reablement no longer required services.
• 3,344 people went on to receive a long-term service. Out of these, 2,570 received community care (3,2651 in 2020-21) and 774 went on to nursing or residential care (829 in 2020-21).
• 4,068 people went on to receive other forms of short term, or ongoing low-level support.

In 2021-22 this is how we supported Essex people:

• 19,494 adults with long-term support needs during the year, a slight decrease compared to previous year (20,377).
• 69% of all adults with an ongoing service were supported in their own home, this is increase from previous year (68%).
• 38% of older adults (65+) receive residential or nursing care.
• 15.6% of all adults decided to take their Personal Budget as a Direct Payment, this is a small increase from the previous year (15.5%).
• 26.1% of working age adults have a full direct payment, and only 4.9% of older adults (65+) have a full direct payment.