2018-10-09 10:16:44

Hft has submitted evidence to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee inquiry into the funding of adult social care. In its submission, the charity warned that financial pressures in the learning disability sector are often overlooked in a conversation dominated by elderly care.

The charity has previously submitted evidence to the joint Health & Social Care Select Committee and Housing, Communities & Local Government Select Committee inquiry into the future funding of adult social care.

Billy Davis, Public Affairs & Policy Manager, commented:

“Our latest research shows that, over the past year, the number of providers in the learning disability sector operating at a deficit has more than trebled, rising from 11% in 2016/17 to 34% in 2017/18. We hope that by sharing our research with the committee, it will help widen the discussion on adult social care away from simply elderly care. Learning disabilities accounts for over one-third of the total of adult social care spend in England, and so any funding solution for the sector must take this into consideration.

“We are now in a position where, in the course of this government, committees in both Houses have launched major inquiries into the future of adult social care funding. Meanwhile, the government’s own green paper remains delayed, with the expected publication date now to be ‘before Christmas 2018’. We hope that the government will use this time to reflect on the conclusion of both inquiries and use them to provide an equitable and sustainable funding solution for the social care sector and the vulnerable adults that it supports.”

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