Community sector

Waiting list (August 2025)

• The total reported community services waiting list in England fell slightly to 1.18 million in August but remains 7.1% higher than the same time last year.
• In August, the total number of CYP waiting for community services dropped to 310,040. Despite this monthly decrease, the figure is still 11.3% higher than in August 2024.
•  The number of adult pathways on the community waiting list rose 871,170, marking a 5.7% rise compared to the same time last year.

FIGURE 4
Community health services total reported waiting list

Long waits (over 52 weeks)

• There were 77,050 CYP waiting for 52 weeks or more in August – the first time this figure has fallen since February 2023. However, CYP waiting over 52 weeks account for a quarter (24.9%) of the total CYP community services waiting list. Of these, 23,620 CYP have been waiting for more than two years (104 weeks).
• There were 9,735 adults waiting for more than 52 weeks for treatment, down on last year. This includes 467 adults facing delays of over 104 weeks for treatment, a fall of 57% on the month before. 

Referrals and contacts (July 2025)

• In July 2025, there were 1.89 million referrals received – the highest figure on record and an increase of 2.2% since last year. Referrals have risen by 66% compared to six years ago, before the pandemic (July 2019). Child referrals are down by 7% compared to last year, whereas adult referrals (aged 19-64) and those aged 65+ are up by 4%.
• A total of 9.32 million care contacts were reported across all submitters in July 2025. This is 8% higher than last month but relatively unchanged compared to the same period last year. 

FIGURE 5
Total referrals received by community services