Your local council is the gateway to adult social care, disability funding and support services. Here's how to find the right team for each service you need.
Enter your postcode to find your local council and its contact details.
🏛️ Find My Council on GOV.UK →💡 Tip: When you call the council switchboard, ask specifically for the "Adult Social Care duty team" or "first contact team" — not the general number. This gets you to the right person faster.
Councils organise their services differently, but the table below shows what to ask for and what each service does:
Ask for: Adult Social Care or First Contact Team
A free assessment of care needs under the Care Act 2014. Anyone can request one — the council cannot refuse if you appear to have eligible needs. Can lead to funded care and Direct Payments.
Ask for: Adult Social Care or Carers Team
A free assessment of YOUR needs as an unpaid carer — available to anyone providing care regardless of how many hours. Can lead to Direct Payments for the carer, respite and support.
Ask for: Direct Payments Team or Adult Social Care
Cash from the council paid directly to you to purchase your own care. Requires a Needs Assessment first. Gives maximum flexibility in choosing your care provider.
Ask for: Blue Badge Team or apply online at gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
Parking permit for disabled people. Apply online — easiest route. Most applications are decided within 12 weeks. £10 charge in England.
Ask for: Housing Team or DFG team
Grant of up to £30,000 for home adaptations (ramps, stairlifts, wet rooms). Available to owners and tenants. OT assessment required first — ask GP for referral.
Ask for: Council Tax Team or Revenues and Benefits
Means-tested discount on council tax. Separate from other disability reductions (Disability Banding Scheme, SMI exemption — also claim these from this team).
Ask for: Adult Safeguarding Team — or call 999 in an emergency
Report concerns about abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult. Anyone can report — you do not need to be certain, and you can report anonymously.
Ask for: Reablement Team or Intermediate Care
Short-term intensive support to regain independence after illness or hospital discharge. Usually free for up to 6 weeks (Discharge to Assess). Separate from ongoing funded care.
If you have requested a service and the council has not responded within a reasonable timeframe, or has refused without explanation, you can escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: 0300 061 0614. Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) can also help you challenge decisions.
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