Mark Whitehead 02 March 2017

Number of adults with a learning disability needing social care will rise by 3% a year, warn councils

Council leaders have warned the number of adults with a learning disability needing social care is set to rise by 3% a year, putting further pressures on local authority finances.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said that estimates show more than an additional 4,000 adults with learning disabilities will need social care next year.

However, the latest employment statistics show that the proportion of adults with learning disabilities in work is falling, from 7.1% in 2011/12 to 5.8% in 2015/16. The LGA said this is symptomatic of the underfunding in adult social care.

The LGA said people with learning disabilities are under threat from government funding cuts just as much as other more high-profile groups.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: 'We need the government to deliver a long-term, sustainable solution to solve the social care funding crisis, not more short-term fixes.

'A young person with a learning disability who has their whole life ahead of them needs to know they have a social care system that will be there for them in the decades ahead.

'Year-to-year sticking plasters will not provide that assurance and will not enable them to live dignified, independent lives.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner