Learning Disability Coalition

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Learning disability charities ask for your stories about local service cuts

12 October 2007

The Learning Disability Coalition (LDC) is speaking out as major cuts are made to local services for people with a learning disability.

• A number of local authorities have announced they will only provide support services, to people with a severe learning disability.

• It comes as the government announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review that it will make only 1% increase in spending on social care services over the next three years.

• This is in spite of drastic cuts and demographic pressure as more people with a learning disability live into old age.

• Dame Jo Williams, chief executive of Mencap and chair of the Learning Disability Coalition said: "consistent cuts in services to people with a severe learning disability are removing the basic right to a bearable standard of living. They also put an unnecessary and additional strain on the families and carers of people with a learning disability who are left to make up the deficit of care."

• LDC is looking for personal stories, from people who have experienced the effects of these cuts first hand and is asking for you to come forward with your own experiences.

• Do you have a story to tell the Learning Disability Coalition? If so, contact: jaine.barry@mencap.org.uk