2023-03-15 15:52:23
Chancellor’s silence on social care is deafening – Spring Budget 2023
Today, the Chancellor spoke of creating long term stability through his budget. But what about social care? Despite the adult social care sector facing enormous pressure following a winter of rising energy costs and a continued workforce crisis, the Chancellor offered no support for social care funding and the silence is deafening.
This is according to Kirsty Matthews, CEO of national learning disability charity Hft, who has responded to today’s Spring Budget delivered by the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.
“Today’s announcement confirms that funding shortfalls in our sector will continue to be a battle. Without the provision of long-term sustainable funding, this will only become a harder fight, detracting from more pressing priorities,” she says.
“The adult social care sector has had a difficult winter. The rising cost of living, particularly sky-rocketing energy bills, and substantial workforce challenges have placed additional pressure on already stretched social care providers.
“The extent of these financial pressures on learning disability providers have wide repercussions – for those receiving support, their families, and staff across the sector. These repercussions also extend into the NHS and place additional stress on the healthcare system due to the intrinsic link between our two sectors”, she added.
Hft, along with Care England, is set to publish their Sector Pulse Check report tomorrow (16 March) – a report on the financial health of the adult social care sector and workforce challenges which will likely further demonstrate the need for immediate action.
Ms Matthews says, “Our Sector Pulse Check findings will confirm the need for meaningful action from the Government. We are very much looking forward to sharing our findings and working with the Government to move our recommendations forward to make our desired improvements a reality so our sector, and those who draw upon support, can thrive.
The Chancellor also announced a number of measures to support disabled people into work at today’s Budget. This includes additional funding for supported internships, the publication of a new Health and Disability White Paper – proposing the abolishment of the Work Capability Assessment – and the introduction of a new ‘Universal Support’ scheme, matching participants with open market jobs and funding support and training.
Ms Matthews responded to these plans directly:
“The additional £3m to expand the availability of supported internships to individuals with a learning disability, but who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan, is hugely welcome. As a partner working with ProjectSEARCH we know that supported internships can play an invaluable role supporting individuals with a learning disability on their journey to work, and while in employment, and we hope that this step will allow more learning disabled people to access them in the future.
“We are pleased that the Government is taking action to reform disability benefits to ensure more disabled people can look for work without the fear of having their benefits cut and are looking forward to seeing more detail of this in the White Paper. We hope the Government acknowledge that the Work Capability Assessment is not the only barrier standing in the way of disabled people moving into work, and the new White Paper reflects the other barriers faced on their journey to, and while in employment.”
“The new ‘Universal Support Scheme’ is also a positive step. For too long the employment rate for adults with a learning disability has remained stubbornly low, at 4.8%, so it is vital that this support is also available for adults with a learning disability.
“We will continue to call for change on social care and employment for adults with a learning disability through Voices for Our Future – our campaigning plan highlighting, and tackling, the issues facing adults with learning disabilities.
“It is crucial that we recognise the challenges facing both our sector and adults with learning disabilities directly so that they can continue to thrive and we can continue to provide the best support possible.”
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
