Cuts

Local authorities must stop making cuts to services that are reducing support for people with a learning disability.

Over the last couple of years local authorities have been receiving less money from central government and because of this they have to make tough decisions on how to make savings. Unfortunately most local authorities are reducing their spending in areas such as social care, transport and housing, which will affect people with a learning disability.

This is happening at the same time as central government is cutting spending on welfare benefits. The reforms to the Disability Living Allowance could impact very negatively on people with a learning disability. Cuts are being made in many different ways and the overall effect is far less of the support that people with a learning disability need to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Mencap believes this is wrong, and is fighting for the rights of people with a learning disability, and their families, to live in their community with dignity, safety and the support they need.

We believe that:

• local authorities must look at ways to save money that don’t involve cutting frontline services
• people with a learning disability and their families must not lose access to vital support such as day care, transport and short breaks
• when a local authority cuts a service the people affected should challenge this and fight for the services they need.

Take our latest campaign actions

From sending a letter to your council to sharing your story - there are lots of ways to take action against cuts to services.

Get advice from Professor Luke Clements

Watch a video and read advice from lawyer and community care expert, Professor Luke Clements.