Dimensions responds to Local Government Finance Statement

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that an extra £150 million will be given to local authorities to fund social care. The announcement comes as multiple councils begin to look at emergency spending controls due to increasing financial pressure.

7 February 2018

Steve Scown, Chief Executive at Dimensions commented: “This funding will do little to reduce the ongoing crisis in social care. When we consider that there is a predicted shortfall of £2.3 billion in social care funding by 2020, it is clear that the proposed £150 million is a no answer to a real and growing problem.

“The announcement is perhaps more useful as an indicator of how close to tipping point the social care sector is. It is time for the government to acknowledge this crisis and act with proper funding solutions. If they don’t, people with learning disabilities and autism, and the many others who rely on social care to lead independent  and fulfilling lives, will be left out in the cold.”

The announcement comes in the wake of plans to consult on long term funding for social care for older people – through a Green Paper that will exclude consideration of social care for working age adults with disabilities.

Scown continued, “people with learning disabilities and autism don’t even have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions on funding social care, yet we are already seeing the impact of financial pressures on people’s lives. The government need to listen to the people who use social care and act urgently to deliver a system that meets people needs.”

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.