The Government’s commitment to publishing proposals for social care reform by the end of this year is welcome but disability groups believe that there is a danger that the reforms won’t improve the lives of Disabled People.
Organisations led by Disabled People feel that they are being excluded from current discussions being held by the Department of Health and Social Care. To address this, a Statement has been produced that sets out the principles which should underpin reform and the actions which need to be taken to ensure that reform improves the lives of Disabled People. Organisations and individuals are being asked to sign the Statement by 4 July, prior to it being shared with Government.
Fazilet Hadi, Head of Policy at Disability Rights UK said “The only test for social care reform is whether it improves the lives of Disabled People of all ages. Does support enable us to live with dignity? Does support enable us to lead full lives, connecting with family and friends, being part of the community, learn and work, follow our passions and have fun?
Social care must enable us to have equality with others and to contribute to the world around us. It must not starve us of support, burden us with unfair charges and treat us as second class citizens.
Government must urgently talk to Disabled People, old and young so that reforms aren’t about moving the deck chairs or financial caps but are focused on transforming the quality of our lives”.