2026-07-14 14:23:58
A leading learning disability charity has called for urgent action to tackle persistent failures in healthcare after a new NHS-backed report revealed that people with a learning disability continue to die nearly two decades earlier than the general population.
The latest Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR), commissioned by NHS England, found that 13,218 adults with a learning disability died between January 2021 and December 2024. The report found that adults with a learning disability die 19 years earlier on average than the wider population.
More than half (56.6%) of adults with a learning disability died before the age of 65, compared with just 14.8% of the general population.
The report also found that 39% of deaths among adults with a learning disability were classed as avoidable, compared with 21.1% in the wider population.
The review also identified continuing failings across health and care services which may contribute to deaths.
Amongst learning disabled adults who died in 2024, nearly 40% experienced delays in their care or treatment, while 40.5% experienced problems with organisational systems.
A further 20.2% experienced gaps in their care, while a quarter received a diagnosis or treatment that did not meet clinical guidelines.
Learning disability charity Hft said the findings demonstrate the urgent need for the Government and NHS to do more to tackle the health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities and ensure they receive timely, appropriate healthcare.
An Hft spokesperson said: “The report is yet another appalling measure which shows how learning disabled people are not given the time or support they need and deserve to live long and happy lives.”
Hft is calling on ministers and NHS leaders to strengthen accountability for reducing health inequalities, improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and ensure people with learning disabilities consistently receive care that meets national standards.
The charity said the latest figures demonstrate that avoidable deaths will continue unless systemic failures across health and social care are addressed.
The charity also expressed concern after the Government confirmed this year’s publication will be the final standalone LeDeR report.
Future mortality data will instead be reported alongside other health outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with ADHD in England.
The spokesperson added: “The loss of the LeDeR report will see this annual spotlight being taken away, which risks the issue losing the public and political focus it rightly deserves.”
LeDeR remains the only mortality review programme in the world dedicated to identifying why people with learning disabilities die prematurely and recommending improvements to reduce avoidable deaths and tackle health inequalities.
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
