2021-12-03 14:08:49
Hft responds to the Government’s adult social care White Paper
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, the charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, said:
‘After a lengthy wait, we welcome the publication of the Government’s White Paper on adult social care reform. However, we remain concerned about the immediate crisis the sector will face over the coming winter.
‘People at the heart of care’ sets out a promising 10-year vision for our complex social care system by addressing challenges spanning from housing and workforce, to technology and unmet need. We are pleased to see an overarching emphasis on choice, fair access and person-centred care and look forward to working with government to ensure the people who rely on social care are truly at the centre.
Yet with just £1.7bn of funding to deliver these changes, it is difficult to see how these ambitions will be made a reality. We would welcome further clarity on how these changes will be robustly delivered and then sustained over a 10-year period.
Furthermore, we remain anxious at the lack of action on the immediate and significant pressures facing social care, particularly around capacity, with average vacancy rates sitting at around 105,000. Support workers are the foundation of social care and they have played a vital role on the frontline throughout the pandemic. The government must take immediate action to address the current crisis in recruitment and retention to both ensure that everyone with a learning disability who needs care can receive it, and to lay stable foundations for reform over the coming decade.’
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
