Consultations do not replace change – our response to the Queen’s Speech

By Dimensions Head of Public Affairs, Alicia Wood.

Remember the ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’ consultation?

Dimensions responded to this consultation thoroughly and with a sense of optimism that, finally, things might change for the better for people with learning disabilities and autism. The grass has long grown over that consultation now.

Or perhaps you remember the consultation on plans to reform supported housing funding mechanisms. The whole process threw a massive spanner in the workings of supported housing, building stopped across the country and is unlikely to restart until a policy response is forthcoming.

Now the Queens speech promises us that, “My ministers will work to improve social care and will bring forward proposals for consultation.”

Consultation is important, but this is simply not good enough. The care system is on its knees. The nettle must be grasped, now, hung parliament and austerity notwithstanding.

There are over a million people with learning disabilities and autism in the country; the Government and the Opposition have a shared obligation to work constructively together to bring forward funding proposals that will allow people with learning disabilities to live ordinary lives, as ordinary citizens, in ordinary communities.

Rapid action to address the under funding of social care is needed, but this needs to go alongside action to change what social care actually funds so that people with learning disabilities get the support they need.

Expert by Experience Mark Brookes, who champions Dimensions’ social change campaigns such as #ImWithSam, added: “People with learning disabilities make up 12% of adults supported by local authorities.

“We want a green paper that meaningfully involves people with learning disabilities and autism, their families, providers and commissioners. And one that leads to real change.”

Contact our press office

For more information, interviews, and case studies contact Hannah McCreesh, Communications and PR Officer at Dimensions, on (e) Hannah.mccreesh@dimensions-uk.org (t) 0300 303 9062.

Dimensions provides evidence-based, outcomes-focused support for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. We help people be actively involved in their communities.

We are one of the largest not-for-profit support providers in the UK. We currently support around 3,500 people and their families throughout England and Wales with help from our 7,000 members of staff.

We have been providing support packages for families for 40 years. We offer a range of support services to adults of all ages, including those with complex needs or challenging behaviour.

We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation, not here for commercial gain. This means we’re able to invest all our efforts and resources into the important things – which is helping the people we support lead happy and fulfilled lives.