It has been warned that social care in Scotland is at breaking point after figures show a significant drop in the number of care homes over the past decade. 

A care home census published by Public Health Scotland today showed the number of care homes in all sectors dropped from 1,249 in 2014 to 1,020 in 2024 – a fall of 18%.

The worst fall was recorded in homes in the voluntary or not-for-profit sector, which recorded a 36% drop from 353 to 226, while the number of local authority or health board owned homes dropped by 27% in the same period.

In response to the figures, Scottish Labour are urging the Scottish Government to drop its proposed National Care Service Bill.

The national care service has recently lost support from local authority body Cosla, which was due to be a key partner, but the government remains committed to the proposals.

Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour deputy leader, said: “Social care in Scotland is at breaking point, but the SNP is wasting time, energy and money pursuing its doomed vanity project,” she said.

“Care homes are collapsing but community services aren’t equipped to fill the gap, leaving thousands of Scots stuck in limbo waiting for care.

“Social care workers and people who rely on care services are suffering as a result of this crisis, but they have been forgotten in the SNP’s plans.

“The SNP must stop burying its head in the sand and listen to the experts warning that they are on the wrong track.

“More bureaucracy and centralisation won’t improve the care Scots receive.

“We urgently need a real plan to support social care workers and boost overstretched services.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.