The county council said it bought most of its social care from the private sector, but the move would see its last in-house provision outsourced.

It would help bring the council's modernisation programme forward and help plug a �15m funding gap, it said.

The council employs about 1,800 social carers. The proposal goes before the executive committee next week.

Tax rise

The council would commission services for adults from voluntary, not-for-profit and private sector organisations.

Service users would get better value for money, greater choice, and more consistent services wherever they live, to help support their independence and well being, the council said.

The county currently provides 10% of residential care, 30% of domiciliary care and 60% of day care for older people in-house.

Under the proposals, staff would have the option to transfer with their current employment terms and conditions to new private sector employers.

The model follows a system adopted by neighbouring Somerset Council, which commissions its social service provision from external organisations.

Devon County Council said in February it was raising council tax by 4.9% because it faced a �15m shortfall in its budget.