2022-08-05 11:56:17
Hft calls on Government to plug funding gap for the health and social care sector
The Government must plug the long-term funding gap in social care by allocating a higher proportion of the health and social care levy to the sector, otherwise providers will struggle to meet growing demand for care in the future.
This is according to Kirsty Matthews, CEO of learning disability charity Hft, who was responding to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee report on Adult Social Care, published yesterday.
The only way the health and social care sector can remain even vaguely sustainable during this difficult period is if the Government urgently redirects funds from the newly introduced levy, she adds.
“This report echoes calls Hft has made about the levy on numerous occasions,” says Ms Matthews. “Indeed, our recent Sector Pulse Check research highlights the extent of the problem. It found that 71% of learning disability care providers were either in deficit or their surplus had decreased, while funding pressures had forced 43% of providers to close services or hand back contracts during 2021. Inflation, rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis only will serve to exacerbate this.
“The report is just the latest in a long line of publications highlighting how our vital sector is teetering on a precipice. It is essential that whoever becomes the next Prime Minister takes immediate action to meet the recommendations in this report so the adult social care sector is able to weather the storm of the coming winter, and continue to provide support in the years ahead to everyone who needs it,” Ms Matthews concludes.
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
