2024-07-17 15:00:22
Learning disability charity Hft – ‘Hoping for better to come’ from King’s Speech makes no mention of social care
It isn’t a surprise that adult social care has been substantially left out of the agenda for the new government in the King’s Speech, as the manifesto had precious little on concrete commitments.
So says Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft, the learning disability charity, in response to today’s King’s Speech.
“The fact that adult social care didn’t even warrant a single mention will be devastating to the entire sector,” he says. “We continue to stand ready to offer our support to this government on ways to solve this never-ending crisis, which is going to take brave and strong leadership to address head-on the complexities and challenges the sector is facing.
“A lasting solution will mean resisting the temptation to offer quick fixes or exploiting the issue for short-term NHS gains, which win headlines,” he adds. “The formation of a Royal Commission or Social Care Taskforce, with experts from all sectors of Adult Social Care, to enact long-term reform, is much needed. The longer the grasping of nettle takes, the more precarious the situation becomes.
“There wasn’t a great deal of mention of social care in the Labour manifesto, so we already know that, as a sector in crisis, we need to work with leaders of the newly formed Department of Health and Social Care to make sure they understand the scale of the problem and the quick wins and long-term solutions. We need to help them understand the structural issues we are facing.”
He adds that any solutions to the social care crisis would need to ensure funding reaches the frontline and that Local Authorities are helped to do this well and held to the highest account in how they use money allocated by central government to support social care.
“Social care providers need the security of a long-term funding settlement in local government. This means ringfenced funding for Local Authorities that enables them to pay the real cost of care, including a worthwhile wage for the workforce which reflects the value and importance of their work,” Steve stresses.
“As a charity, we look forward to working with the new government to find sustainable solutions to provide long-term financial security for our sector and enable it to deliver at its best for the people we support.”
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or 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
