Sense response to publication of Care Bill eligibility criteria
08 July 2013
National deafblind charity Sense today (28 June) responded to the publication of the Care Bill draft regulations, outlining who is eligible for support. Head of Public Policy and Campaigns Sue Brown said:
“While we welcome the general approach of these regulations, they do not address the gaps in social care nor ensure that more disabled people in need can benefit from support. A Sense survey last year revealed that nearly one in five (19 per cent) deafblind people received no social care at all and most people did not receive the care they need.
"The past few years have also seen many disabled people lose vital social care services as local authorities tighten access to support. The Care Bill provides a golden opportunity for a fairer and more effective care system, however, keeping the bar at such a high level is likely to prevent many disabled people from receiving the care and support they need.”
Sue Brown added:
“We are disappointed that the Government has not recognised the importance of sensory impairment and communication needs in these regulations. Being able to communicate is often a major challenge for deafblind people, who struggle to hear, see or communicate without support. Such communication challenges can also occur due to physical or mental impairments, and the impact is often missed when people are being assessed for support. We would urge the Government to reconsider and include a specific mention of sensory impairment and communication needs in the regulations.”
For media enquiries contact the Sense press office on 0845 127 0060 or email mediaenquiries@sense.org.uk.