2024-01-22 16:26:28
Charities must not be taken for granted, says Hft
Learning disability charity Hft has responded to a speech by Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, on his party’s vision for the voluntary sector, saying charities must be remunerated for the vital services they deliver.
Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft says:
“It’s refreshing to hear that, should they be elected, the Labour party want to create genuine partnerships with the Third Sector in order to address their key policy priorities.
“Starmer is right to outline how the Third Sector has a comprehensive understanding of society’s challenges and can propose the best solutions, due to its delivery of vital services.
“However, it’s imperative that, in the creation of a ‘society of service’, charities are not taken for granted. We must be properly remunerated for the service we deliver.
“For far too long, our sector, namely the adult social care sector, has had to foot the bill for the underfunding of the invaluable support it provides. This was clearly illustrated in our Sector Pulse Check research, published just last week in partnership with Care England, in which 79% of adult social care providers reported that local authority fees did not cover the costs associated with the increased National Living Wage in 2023.
“It is simply not realistic or sustainable to expect the Third Sector to continue to make up the difference when, thanks to a lack of central government funding, local government are not able to pay the true cost of care.
“We are ready and waiting to work with whomever forms the next government to address some of our key societal challenges. At the top of that list is securing a long-term funding settlement for adult social care so providers can deliver securely and sustainably into the future.”
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
