2024-07-16 13:48:26
Learning disability charity Hft urges new government to take adult social care seriously
Despite highlighting the unsustainable financial and workforce pressures facing adult social care providers more than six months ago, the situation continues to decline and remains a clear indication that the current approach to adult social care funding simply isn’t working.
The CEO of learning disability charity Hft, Steve Veevers, was responding to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Spring Survey, released today.
“The ADASS report states that, in the past six months, 65% of Directors reported that providers in their area had closed, ceased trading or handed back council contracts. This is a direct reflection of the findings we presented at the beginning of this year from our 2023 Sector Pulse Check report, the independent research commissioned each year by Hft and Care England,” says Steve.
“Sector Pulse Check 2023 found that 43% of providers had closed a part of their organisation or had handed back contracts in 2023. We’re reiterating our call on the new government to implement immediate measures to support the care sector – including improving commissioning practice, revising VAT arrangements and removing barriers to ethical international recruitment.
“It is difficult to offer words of hope and motivation when the past 18 months have seen the adult social care sector engulfed in a sustained state of crisis,” says Steve.
“There is still little respite from the fundamental financial and workforce pressures that have plagued our sector for many years and it remains uncertain as the new government has yet to lay out its plans for the sector.
“It is extremely disappointing that the over-arching recommendations from last year’s Sector Pulse Check report haven’t been actioned but they provide the new government with a perfect opportunity to address what is a key challenge for today’s society but one which nobody seems to be taking seriously enough.
“The Labour Government now has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to really transform social care and create a brighter future for learning disabled adults. But we need to make sure that promises are not forgotten and that all solutions put forward are fully funded,” he concludes.
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
