Sense responds to Government's £62 million to help discharge people with learning disabilities or autism into the community

“Today’s announcement of £62 million to help discharge people with learning disabilities or autism into the community is very much welcome and long overdue. Disabled people should be living in homes not hospitals so we hope this new funding will quickly and finally put an end to that practice.

“Over the years we have seen too many instances of abuse and safeguarding violations happening in those settings and change was overdue. Government not only has a moral duty but a legal duty to protect the human rights of disabled people; and as a society we should be supporting disabled people and their families in the community where possible and ensure that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.

“It’s also vital that there is investment into preventative community social care services so that individuals with complex disabilities, their families and carers can be given the correct support before reaching crisis point. This is especially needed with many services still closed due to the pandemic and family carers having to manage without support.”