The Learning Disability Coalition

The Learning Disability Coalition was set up to encourage the government to make an extra investment in funding services for adults with a learning disability.

The Learning Disability Coalition has 14 member organisations including ARC.

The Learning Disability Coalition has launched a new campaign, Protect the Frontline, which is in direct response to the announced spending cuts announced in October 2010. They are holding protests and asking people to report on cuts in their areas. Find out more about the Protect the Frontline Campaign.

Learning Disability Coalition Background

At the launch in May 2007, Dame Jo Williams, chief executive of Mencap and co- Chair of the Learning Disability Coalition, said:

“The additional funding should be regarded as a down payment to meet the growing demand for services. It is estimated that there will be at least an 11 per cent increase in the number of people with a learning disability between 2001 and 2021. And those over 60 are likely to increase by 36 per cent. We must make sure that there are enough resources to support these people, giving them and their families the quality of life they deserve.”

The Learning Disability Coalition recommends that, by the next CSR, Government should carry out a thorough evaluation of demographic, economic, health and social trends and their impact on the resource requirements of people with learning disabilities.

Barbara McIntosh, co Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities commented:

“The truth is that the Government just does not have sound data on which to estimate accurate public expenditure for services for adults with a learning disability. At least 80 per cent of people with a learning disability in the UK do not get services tailored to meet their needs. That figure will get worse as current cuts to services start to bite.”

Carol Boys of the Downs Syndrome Association said:

“We are experiencing a dramatic increase in the cries for help from people with Downs Syndrome, and their families. Lack of day time activities will lead to mental health problems and early dementia. In the long term this will put a far greater burden on the public purse.”