2023-04-04 13:57:06
The Government has once again let down care providers as it halves workforce funding
Today’s news that the Government plans to halve the funding for the development of the adult social care workforce is highly frustrating as it has once again missed an opportunity to address high vacancy and turnover rates in the sector and ensure we deliver the level and quality of services that people in our care should expect and deserve.
This is according to Kirsty Matthews, CEO of national learning disability charity Hft, who was responding to the Government’s announcement today on support for the adult social care workforce in The Next Steps to put People at the Heart of Care.
“At a time when our sector is experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis – as our recent Sector Pulse Check Research, published in partnership with Care England, revealed a 25% turnover and 21% vacancy rate – this step is counter-intuitive to the Government’s ambition of ‘bolstering’ the adult social care workforce,” Ms Matthews continues.
“While the Government is making some effort to improve perceptions and experience of work in adult social care – for example, through the development of a new Care Workforce Pathway – it is hard to believe it is serious about implementing this effectively when the funding available keeps being cut.”
Today’s announcement also sets out plans for a new Older People’s Housing Taskforce to decide how to provide suitable housing which meets the needs of older people.
While Ms Matthews welcomes the introduction of this new taskforce, she adds that it is vital that the Government considers expanding its scope to recognise the impact of shortages in accessible and inclusive housing on learning disabled adults. Accessible housing is one of four key policy areas referenced in Hft’s new national campaigning plan, Voices for Our Future, which calls for change in a bid to improve the lives of learning disabled adults.
“We would also like clarity on where and how the Government plans to spend the £300m set aside in its 2021 White Paper to improve the supply of supported housing. While this was not referenced today, it could go some way to ensuring more learning disabled adults are able to live in housing which meets their needs.
“Today’s plans are a far cry from the Government’s initial plans and promises set out in its 2021 Social Care White Paper, which provided some hope for wholesale, meaningful reform. The Government cannot expect adult social care to continue with less and less – our sector is surviving not thriving , with financial constraints and reduced capacity having a significant impact for our health service, families and wider communities too.
“The Government has once again let down providers like us and people drawing on the care system. It must act now to address the challenges in our sector.”
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
