Libraries and parks will close in a bid to fund social care services facing a multi-billion-pound funding gap, local authorities warn.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has insisted that this year councils will have to further divert funding from local amenities - including bus services, parks, filling potholes, libraries and leisure centres - to try and protect vital adult social care services.

Despite council tax hikes to plug the funding black-hole and an attempt to avoid a the looming of threat of “a care home crisis”, millions of older and disabled people fear that their services and care provisions - such as helping them dress, be fed and leave the house - will still continue to be cut.

As a result, the LGA said that “the dignified care and support which older and disabled people deserve remains at risk”.

The research, published today, found that if all councils raised tax to the maximum possible level, the services would still face a funding gap of at least £1 billion next year to maintain current standards. This figure could rise to £3.6 billion by 2025, the association said.

Local authorities are able to raise council tax by up to 2.99 per cent in 2019/2020, and by a further two per cent if they provide social care.