2018-06-13 13:06:07

Hft, a national charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, has once again called on the government to provide a sustainable funding solution for the social care sector.

The charity has reacted with dismay at the latest research by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass), which warns that social care is ‘on the verge of collapse’ in some areas of England.

Billy Davis, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at Hft, commented:

“Today’s research from Adass adds to the growing body of evidence that there is an ongoing funding crisis crippling the social care sector.

“Adass’ revelation that English councils plan to push through social care cuts of £700m over 2018/19 is deeply worrying at a time when providers are warning that lack of funding is impacting negatively on their services. Indeed, our own independent research published earlier this year warns that the number of providers in the learning disability sector operating at a deficit has nearly trebled over the past year from 11% to 34%. This is a national funding crisis, which requires a national solution from central Government.

“In February 2016, Hft launched our It Doesn’t Add Up campaign to raise awareness of financial pressures facing the learning disabilities sector. Some two-and-a-half years later, a sustainable funding solution looks further away than ever. We hope that the government’s forthcoming Green Paper on social care will offer bold proposals to the ongoing crisis, in order to ensure some of the most vulnerable adults in society continue to receive the high quality, person-centered support they deserve.”

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