2023-06-09 10:46:44
Hft welcomes social care roadmap and calls for ring-fenced funding from Government
National learning disability charity Hft is supporting calls for a national approach to social care underpinned by principles which guarantee high quality, affordable and accessible care, but connected to local need and support.
Responding to the publication of the Fabian Society’s report to the Labour Party, Support Guaranteed: the roadmap towards a national care service, Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, believes today’s report sets out an impressive roadmap for the next 10 years.
“It is also heartening to hear that achieving a fair pay settlement for the social care workforce would be prioritised under the Fabian Society’s recommendations,” Ms Matthews says.
“Our workforce is the driving force of social care, but the 165,000 vacancies across the sector, driven predominantly by low pay, are forcing providers to turn down new admissions, and even close services. This means that our sector as a whole is less able to respond to the needs of adults with a learning disability which, in turn, places additional pressure on the NHS.
“Should a pay settlement be agreed, overstretched providers and local authorities must not be asked to foot the bill, and funding must instead be ring-fenced by central Government.
“Whatever happens at the next general election, Hft will be calling for significant improvements in social care – both in terms of vacancy rates and unmet need – within the first year of a new government.
“While we understand national finances are stretched and change will take time, our sector has been struggling for too long in the face of broken promises and myriad White Papers, commissions and proposals. Rather than our current status quo, where 82% of providers reported a deficit and almost one third considered exiting the market in 2022 – as highlighted in the Sector Pulse Check report published by Hft and Care England – it is time for social care to thrive, and for the work we do, and the lives of the people we support, to be taken seriously.”
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
