Following today’s Spring Budget [8th March],
national disability charity, Sense, has responded to the news
that the Government plans to ease the current financial pressures
facing social care by delivering £2billion over the next three
years, alongside a new green paper focusing on the future of the
sector.
The national disability charity, which supports people who are
deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, has been
calling for urgent investment into the collapsing social care
market, alongside a considered plan for its sustainability.
Richard Kramer, Deputy CEO of disability charity Sense,
said:
“There will be a sigh of relief amongst the social care sector,
as the Government finally responds to its cries for help with a
promise to invest the funds it desperately needs right
now. The Government’s plans will abate the pressing
financial woes currently threatening to overwhelm the system and
will offer short-term stabilisation. However, the reality is that
money alone is not enough to save social care from collapse
and the future of these essential services hinges on the
development of a long-term strategy.
“We hope that today’s announcement signifies the start of genuine
reform, and that the upcoming green paper highlights the
Government’s long-term commitment to protect and improving social
care services, rather than delivering stop-gap solutions to keep
it afloat.
“Although the chancellor’s speech focused entirely on older
people, he should not forget that many disabled people also rely
on social care services to enable them to live independently,
with dignity and as active members of their communities, which is
why the protection of these vital services is so important.
We look forward to working with the Government on the upcoming
green paper to ensure it focuses on a long-term strategy that
guarantees a sustainable system that can provide quality support
for all those who need it.”
