2023-08-22 16:46:19
No surprise at Local Authorities’ budget deficit, says Hft
Learning disability charity Hft has responded with shock to new figures unearthed by the BBC today, which report that Local Authorities will see £467m stripped from their adult care services by April 2026.
“It’s disheartening to read the findings from the BBC investigation which reveal a huge ‘black hole’ in Local Authority funding, but not unexpected,” says Hft’s CEO, Kirsty Matthews.
“This revelation simply makes the effort to balance the books for social care even more difficult.
“Hft’s Sector Pulse Check report (published in partnership with Care England) has, for consecutive years, illustrated the impact of Local Authority funding cuts on adult social care, with one third of providers considering exiting the market in 2022 due to cost pressures. The BBC’s report unfortunately corroborates this research.
“It’s imperative that the Government fund Local Authorities properly, so care staff can be paid a fair wage, and everyone who needs high-quality support can receive it.
“We will continue our calls on Government to take social care seriously and ensure this invaluable service can thrive rather than perpetually just survive,” Ms Matthews says.
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
