‘Most in need might lose out in policy’

People with severe learning difficulties could lose out under
new government policies unveiled this week, charities have
warned.

Mencap said a report by the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit
published this week puts independent living at the heart of the
strategy but fails to address those “most in need” of support.

Although other organisations welcomed the report, complaints
remained that it was short on detail. How funding would be
allocated is also unclear, although the document admits no new
money would be set aside to implement the plan.

The report proposes the introduction of individual budget plans
from this year with full implementation by 2012.

One disability campaigner described the proposals as a “radical
change” to the way in which budgets are organised and services
delivered.

The plans are based on a Valuing People pilot which has been
running in eight councils for the past year.
Councils are to be given a “key strategic role” in implementing the
proposals, which will be clarified in greater detail in the green
paper on adult social care and driven forward by a new office for
disability issues.

Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People from www.cabinet-office.gov.uk

 

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