URGENT action is needed to cope with a predicted sharp increase in the number of adults with learning difficulties, according to a council report.

The report describes the situation as a “timebomb” as the number of adults with learning difficulties requiring care in Waltham Forest is set to double next year to 65.

The authority admits plans are not yet in place to deal to deal with the increase despite seven people, who will turn 19 next year, currently costing children’s social services £1.4 million a year.

Children and young people committee chairman Cllr James O’Rourke said: “I am concerned for the families and about what kind of care package they are going to receive.”

“I am also concerned about the financial implications for adult social services.”

Cllr O'Rourke said he asked officers at the meeting where they were going to find additional cash when the council has committed to saving £23 million over the next three to five years.

He said: "In my experience as a councillor people are most concerned about street sweeping while social care comes much further down the list unless you are actually affected by it."

Department of Health research also suggests numbers will continue to rise dramatically in the next 25 years and current funding levels are not adequate.