Mencap responds to Health Select Committee Social Care Report

Wednesday 08 February 2012

Mencap has welcomed the findings of the House of Commons Health Select Committee Social Care Report, which recognises the huge funding gap that 'needs to be addressed by the Government in its Social Care White Paper this spring.'

“The Committee’s call for an integrated health, housing and social care system is one that Mencap has long supported. However, this will only work in practice if there is also greater integration of funding streams. In the current economic climate, efficiency and better value for the tax payer is something the Government should heed.

While the Committee has largely focused on older people, the issues raised also affect adults with life-long conditions and disabilities. People with a learning disability and their families are increasingly unable to get the support they need, as demand for social services grows while care budgets are cut. The report rightly recognises that this huge funding gap needs to be addressed by the Government in its Social Care White Paper this spring.”

ENDS

Contact Pasca Lane in the Mencap media team on 020 7696 6017 or email pasca.lane@mencap.org.uk

• 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.