National disability charity, Sense, calls for urgent social care investment in upcoming budget

Ahead of the upcoming Budget next week, national disability charity, Sense, is calling on the Government to avert a disaster in the social care sector by delivering the substantial cash injection and long-term  sustainability plan needed to prevent its collapse.

The widely reported social care crisis, which has resulted in cuts to services across the country due to significant reductions in local government funding, has seen an 11.4% drop in the number of people receiving sensory support in the last year alone.

Sense, a national disability charity, supports people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, to enjoy more independent lives,

Richard Kramer, Deputy CEO of disability charity Sense, said:

“There is no doubt that without an immediate and substantial cash injection and a considered plan for its long-term sustainability, of the social care system, the social care system will crumble, which is why we are calling on the Government to take action before it’s too late.

 “Many of the people we support rely on social care services to enable them to live independently, with dignity and as active members of their community; however, in recent years, as repeated budget cuts have taken their toll, these essential services are being withdrawn and fewer people are able to access the vital support they desperately need for day-to-day life.

 “The sector has been waiting with bated breath for a long-term Government solution to the growing crisis and whilst some action has been taken, it has not been anywhere near enough to save the current system, which is completely unsustainable and at real risk of total collapse.

 “If it wishes to avert disaster, the Government must recognise in this Budget that it is now or never for social care, by delivering the funds and long-term sustainability plan that councils and care providers need in order to maintain quality services.”