Responding to the Chancellor's Budget statement, Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
“While there is much to welcome in today’s Budget, it could have gone further to ensure the vital care and support disabled people rely on, was put on a surer footing.
"For too long, unpaid carers have faced the risk of losing their entire Carer's Allowance simply by earning a little over the threshold. The Government's commitment to end this unfair cliff edge is therefore a welcome announcement in today's Budget.
“The forthcoming Timms Review of disability benefits and Milburn Review of youth unemployment are also significant, addressing issues that directly affect disabled people's lives. We look forward to seeing the proposals set out in next year's White Paper.
“The increase in the National Living Wage is another positive step. Care and support workers deserve to be properly rewarded for the skilled work they do. However, wage increases are often unmatched by additional funding for disability charities, delivering public sector contracts. Combined with the ongoing pressure of higher employer National Insurance Contributions, other rising costs and growing demand, significant financial strain continues to be placed on public services.
"The Government’s longer-term ambitions for social care reform are clear but today was a missed opportunity to provide immediate relief for the mounting pressures facing voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, delivering essential value to individuals, communities and wider society.
“VODG will continue to engage with the Government to ensure its plans for social care reform address the challenges facing disabled people and the organisations supporting them.”
ENDS