Responding to today’s Spending Review, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
‘Today disabled people face huge uncertainties when it comes to managing the cost of living and accessing the essential care and support they are legally entitled to.
‘Today’s Spending Review confirms welcome investment in children’s social care, SEND, employment support, housing and the NHS.
‘It was, however, a missed opportunity to address and invest in social care in its own right. The money that is being made available over the Spending Review period is reliant on flowing through the NHS and local government and our experience shows this rarely get to where it’s needed. We need a strong and secure funding base that values social care as an essential public service and upholds all legal entitlements, rights and the dignity of disabled people.
‘It is deeply concerning that adult social care received fleeting attention. Government has chosen today to delay any meaningful action that would ensure disabled people are able to live their best lives through properly funded services.
- ‘The Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care signals a long-overdue recognition of the value of the care workforce. We support all efforts to improve pay and conditions for our essential workers. But unless policy commitments are backed by sustainable, ringfenced funding, they will no doubt place even greater pressure on already overstretched providers.
- ‘While the Government has committed £39 billion to new affordable and social housing, there was no indication that this funding will be used to expand accessible or supported housing options for disabled people. Without suitable homes and joined-up planning between housing and care, disabled adults will continue to face barriers to living independently in the communities of their choice.
- ‘The Spending Review includes £1.2 billion to support young people into training and apprenticeships by the end of the period. Yet there is no guarantee that any of this funding is ringfenced for young people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or autism. These are people who continue to face some of the biggest barriers to accessing education, training, and meaningful employment. Without targeted investment, this funding risks bypassing those who need it most.
‘Promised reform of social care is years and years away. Third sector organisations delivering vital support for disabled people are continually being pushed to the brink. Public sector commissioners cannot fill the gap if charities are forced to close their doors.
‘We will continue to review the full details of today’s Spending Review, but on the surface, today’s announcement leaves serious questions about the Government’s commitment to a fair and sustainable future for everyone who draws on adult care and support.'