2019-12-19 12:41:07
Hft has issued a statement following the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019.
Billy Davis, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at Hft, commented:
“After continued promises of a green paper on the future of adult social care, the Queen’s Speech has committed to building cross-party consensus on the future of adult social care. We hope that these talks will begin soon and deliver the financially sustainable solutions the sector desperately needs.
“However, we are concerned that the conversation appears to be framed as ensuring people will not need to sell their homes to pay for social care. Unlike older people, support for working age adults with learning disabilities is funded almost exclusively by local authorities.
“Our recent poll of MPs found that, in the last Parliament, more than half (53%) of MPs believed learning disabilities accounted for less than 15% of total adult social care expenditure in England. In fact, it is nearer a third. If these planned reforms are to benefit everyone, then parties across government must ensure that reforms include working age adults, and not just the over-65s.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
