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Local authorities are failing to meet the future housing needs of thousands of people with a learning difficulty who are living at home with elderly parents, a major survey of local authorities has found, writes Derren Hayes.

The research by Mencap shows that only one in four local authorities have made plans in 2002/03 to find alternative accommodation for those with learning difficulties being cared for by parents aged over 70.

On that current rate of planning – 227 places per year - it will take 30 years to provide alternative housing for carers' sons and daughters.

The 'Housing Timebomb' report found that half of the local authorities surveyed did not know the number of people living with elderly parents, only one in five have provided for a significant increase in their residential and nursing care budget for next year, and only one in 10 have provided for a significant increase in their budget for supported living.

It calls for social services to work with families to draw up long-term care and support plans, ideally when the parent reaches 50, with priority given to those living with parents aged 70 and over.

It also recommends up-to-date registers should be kept recording the number of parents aged between 60-69 and over 70, whether their sons and daughters may need a move within the next 3-5 years, and the type and cost of support needed.

The government estimates there are 29,000 people with a learning difficulty living at home with a parent aged 70 or over in England.

Mencap surveyed 150 English local authorities between January and May this year. The report is based on responses from 92 of them covering over 90,000 adults with a learning difficulty known to local authorities.

For more information go to www.mencap.org.uk