LONDON boroughs will face a £2.4 billion funding gap in adult social care between 2016/17 and 2019/20, according to a new report by London Councils.

London Councils, which represents London’s 32 borough councils and the City of London, is calling on the government to recognise this shortfall in tomorrow's Comprehensive Spending Review.

Councils in London are having to deal with government cuts, inflation and a growing number of people qualifying for state funded care.

Councillor Ray Puddifoot, London Councils' executive member for adult social care, said: "Funding constraints could see councils focusing more on essential statutory duties and meeting urgent needs at the expense of other important services, storing up trouble for the future."

Coun Puddifoot called for more government support to plug the funding gap and help align health and social care more closely.

Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell said he was concerned more money would end up being spent on the NHS, due to the lack of adequate adult social care.

He said: “George Osborne’s cuts agenda is falling apart as people begin to realise that key areas of society are on the verge of collapse.”

He added: “Austerity is a political choice, not an economic necessity. A lack of investment is putting our futures at risk and damaging the economy.”

According to the report, the number of adult social care users aged 18-64 in the capital is due to rise by 60 per cent over the next five years, compared to a 40 per cent increase in other UK regions.

Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma said: “The shortfall in adult social care is a shameful indictment of this government’s policies - they are abandoning the most vulnerable.

“The Tory government is launching another round of ideologically motivated cuts that local people rely on.”

The council has already had to make £9 million in savings in adult social care, but this is just half of their overall target.

Mr Sharma recommended transitional funding, which would allow local authorities to keep their services safe and fulfil their statutory duties.

He added: “Lives are being risked in this pointless and reckless round of cuts.”

The report also claims between now and 2020, 60 per cent of the growth in adults who have learning disabilities will be in London, as will 39 per cent of the national increase for people with mental health issues.

Osborne will deliver the Spending Review and Autumn Statement tomorrow, determining how much taxpayers' money is allocated to government departments and public services.