2023-10-24 11:54:54
Silence is deafening as adult social care remains on its knees
Adult social care is on its knees, with increased running costs and Local Authority budgets failing to keep pace, but the silence remains deafening despite every report, commission and inquiry published.
Responding to the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) annual State of Care report, Kirsty Matthews, CEO of learning disability charity Hft says:
“Today’s report highlights what we already know – adult social care is in a precarious position. And that, all too often, this can lead to unfair care, where too many people are forced to endure longer waits and reduced access to the support they need.
“Indeed, our 2022 Sector Pulse Check report, published in partnership with Care England, reveals how the adult social care sector’s ability to respond to need is being questioned, as 42% of adult social care providers had to close down part of their organisation or handback contracts to Local Authorities last year due to cost pressures.
“As highlighted so well by Social Care Future, when working at its best, adult social care can support people to find, grow and weave together the people, places and resources to live where they choose, in the way that they want. It is clear that the economic, physical and mental health benefits of this for society would be immeasurable.
“But it is distressing that, at present, a brighter future for our sector, for those who are supported by it, and for those who work in it, seems impossible.
“With such little movement on this issue for so long, it is high time that the Government recognises the scale of the challenges our sector faces, at the very minimum. The upcoming Autumn Statement provides just one opportunity for the financial pressure on adult social care to be alleviated, but we will continue to call for a long-term financial settlement for our sector.”
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 0117 906 1697 or email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Hft is a national charity that creatively supports more than 2,200 adults with learning disabilities across England and Wales to live the best life possible. Services range from residential care to supporting people to live independently in their own homes – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. Hft also helps people with learning disabilities to take part in daily activities, make friends and develop relationships and to find work.
Established in 1962, Hft is funded in two ways: through local authorities, who fund vital support services, but also through donors, supporters and volunteers who enable us to find new ways to help more people to thrive rather than just get by.
For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
