Learning disability charity Mencap responds to the Chancellor’s Budget

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Learning disability charity Mencap responds to the Chancellor's announcement that there will be £10 billion further cuts to welfare

David Congdon, head of campaigns and policy at learning disability charity Mencap:

"The Government's Welfare Reform Act has just received Royal Assent, leading to anticipated cuts in welfare benefits of £18 billion a year, and many disabled people are already deeply concerned for their future. These concerns will be exacerbated by the Chancellor's announcement today that he is planning a £10 billion further cuts to welfare by 2016/17.

People with a learning disability are some of the most excluded in society and are far more likely to live in poverty. The Government has a responsibility to ensure the cuts do not disproportionately impact on those people least able to afford it, yet the Chancellor's focus on further welfare cuts means many disabled people will fear they will continue to be the hardest hit.

If the Government seeks to make further cuts in expenditure, we urge them to adopt a wider view as to how these could be realised, looking beyond just one area of spending alone."

ENDS

For more information please contact Pasca Lane on 0207 696 6017 or email pasca.lane@mencap.org.uk

Notes to editors

• About Mencap

There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Mencap works to support people with a learning disability and their families and carers by fighting to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.

We are also one of the largest providers of services, information and advice for people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. People with a learning disability and their carers can find out more about our services by calling Mencap Direct on 0300 333 111 or by visiting www.mencap.org.uk

• What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complex information and interact with other people.

The level of support someone needs depends on individual factors, including the severity of their learning disability.