Disabled hit by ‘chronic’ lack of funds

Growing frustration at care plan delays

DISABLED PEOPLE are being let down and their carers forced into poverty because services are chronically under-funded and the Government has failed to publish future plans for the care of vulnerable people.

The warning has been made by charities and campaign groups amid growing frustration that a long-delayed Green Paper on the future adult social care has yet to be published.

The Yorkshire Post today begins a week-long series of articles on disability rights issues as Ministers face growing calls for action. Charities have claimed that despite assurances that the lives of carers will be made easier, many are struggling to make ends meet as they provide round-the-clock care for loved ones.

Warnings have also been made by wheelchair athlete Hannah Cockcroft that following a wave of optimism during the London Paralympics of 2012, disability issues are once again becoming “taboo”.

Action is being urged to improve access to benefits, vital equipment and care packages for disabled people and their families. The disability charity, Sense, said three out of four families of disabled adults with complex needs in Yorkshire were worried about how future care needs would be met.

Kate Fitch, the director of policy and communications, said: “Despite this social care crisis, we’ve been waiting over 700 days for the Government to publish the Social Care Green Paper.

“We believe it’s time to say enough is enough.

“Action is needed now and Government must take the first step towards a long-term funding solution for the sector. The Government has failed disabled people and their families who have been left without support.”

Scope has also warned of a huge funding gap for disabled care unless urgent action is taken.

James Taylor, the charity’s head of policy, said: “Chronic underfunding and under-investment all too often mean that social care barely ensures disabled people survive, rather than leading genuinely independent and fulfilling lives.

“We hear from disabled people that they feel they no longer have control over their care and that rationing prevents many from living the life they choose.”

The Department of Health and Social Care stressed that the Government is “committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care and support they need”.

It claimed that local authorities have been provided with up to £3.6bn more funding for adult social care this year and up to £3.9bn for next year.

The department spokesperson added: “We will shortly set out our plans to reform the social care system for adults of all ages to ensure it is sustainable for the future.”