Kirsty Mathews
Learning disability charity Hft says that the UK Government must plug the long-term funding gap in social care by allocating a higher proportion of the health and social care levy to the sector, otherwise providers will struggle to meet growing demand for care in the future.

The response follows the publishing last week of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee report on adult social care.

The only way the health and social care sector can remain even vaguely sustainable during this difficult period is if the Government urgently redirects funds from the newly introduced levy, the charity says.

Kirsty Matthews, CEO of learning disability charity Hft, commented: “This report echoes calls Hft has made about the levy on numerous occasions,” says Ms Matthews. “Indeed, our recent Sector Pulse Check research highlights the extent of the problem.

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“It found that 71 per cent of learning disability care providers were either in deficit or their surplus had decreased, while funding pressures had forced 43 per cent of providers to close services or hand back contracts during 2021. Inflation, rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis only will serve to exacerbate this.”

Kirsty continued: “The report is just the latest in a long line of publications highlighting how our vital sector is teetering on a precipice. It is essential that whoever becomes the next Prime Minister takes immediate action to meet the recommendations in this report so the adult social care sector is able to weather the storm of the coming winter, and continue to provide support in the years ahead to everyone who needs it.”

Hft is a national charity that creatively supports more than 2,200 adults with learning disabilities across England and Wales to live the best life possible.

It services range from residential care to supporting people to live independently in their own homes – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.

Recently, the charity announced that it was partnering with start-up Tendertec on a £1.8m project to encourage sustainable physical activity for under-represented groups, including people aged 55 and over.

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