{"id":49193,"date":"2024-05-22T14:44:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T13:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?page_id=49193"},"modified":"2026-02-11T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T10:00:00","slug":"plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/get-involved\/campaign\/general-election\/plan\/","title":{"rendered":"A plan for change: Improving the lives of disabled people with complex needs\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<div class=\"banner    is-style-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"banner__flex\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"banner__figure\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-900x600.jpg\" class=\"banner__img\" alt=\"A woman and a young man in a wheelchair sharing a laugh in a garden.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Laura_Matty_Sense-6345-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/> \t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"banner__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro-xl\">A call to put disabled people with complex needs at the heart of the next UK government.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group    margin-top-3xl\">\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>On this page:<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li><a href=\"#summary\">At a glance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#foreword\">Foreword: Why this election matters to me<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#emma\">Emma Blackmore<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#anna\">Anna Tesdale<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#who\">Who are Sense?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#support\">Who does Sense support?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#recommendations\">Our seven key recommendations<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#costofliving\">Make sure disabled people can afford the essentials<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#adultsocialcare\">Fund social care so no disabled adult goes without support<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#childsocialcare\">End the postcode lottery of social care for disabled children<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#send\">Give every disabled child equal access to education<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#benefits\">Make the benefits system work for disabled people<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#work\">Tackle barriers to work<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#minister\">Always have a senior Minister for Disabled People<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#note\">A final note<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summary\"><strong>At a glance<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The outcome of the upcoming 2024 General Election will have a huge impact on the lives of disabled people.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p><strong>Disabled people make up 22% of the UK population. One in 10 disabled people \u2013 that\u2019s 1.6 million in total \u2013 has complex needs.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>This large population faces daily inequalities, isolation and exclusion from society.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world has changed significantly since the last UK General Election in 2019. Disabled people are struggling to pay for essentials like food and energy. The social care sector is in crisis, and the welfare system is in urgent need of reform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is vital that disabled people are a top priority for the next government. In this manifesto, we set out seven key recommendations for how the next government can improve the lives of disabled people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-pink-blob-counter\">\n<li><strong>Make sure disabled people can afford the essentials. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fund social care so no disabled adult goes without support.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>End the postcode lottery of social care for disabled children.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Give every disabled child equal access to education.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make the benefits system work for disabled people.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tackle barriers to work.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always have a senior Minister for Disabled People.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>We urge all political parties to endorse these seven essential asks.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next UK government has a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of millions. Disabled people, along with their friends, families and carers, will be watching closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"foreword\">Foreword: Why this election matters to me<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"emma\"><strong>Emma Blackmore<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Emma Blackmore, a white woman with short hair and glasses, smiling at the camera.\" class=\"wp-image-49225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-500x751.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-1065x1600.jpg 1065w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-600x901.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/mhorwood_Sense_280521_28-scaled.jpg 1704w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This General Election is a pivotal moment for disabled people like me.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m Emma, and I was born with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/congenital-rubella-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">congenital rubella syndrome<\/a> which affects my vision and hearing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living is a key issue for me at the next election. All the costs going up are worrying me. Rent and bills are going up constantly. It\u2019s worrying and challenging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have to be careful about what I\u2019m spending, and rely on others to help me through the month. I\u2019ve been borrowing money from my mum.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rise in energy bills is the cost that\u2019s affected us the most. It\u2019s taken a massive leap. It\u2019s hard because we\u2019ve got medical equipment that has to keep running through the day and night.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re struggling to put the heating on. This has a big impact on me, because I have arthritis. I feel physical pain when I\u2019m cold.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can\u2019t go out and about and do things like we used to. We haven\u2019t had a holiday this year. We just can\u2019t afford it.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The support we have received so far isn\u2019t enough to get us through this crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re still people, we have a right to be able to live an independent life. A lot of people, like me, can\u2019t physically work full time. If we can\u2019t keep up with putting food on the table, it\u2019s really not fair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Money is not the answer to everything, but at the moment it\u2019s something quite significant.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shortage of SEND provision in school also needs to be addressed. There is a generation of children not getting what they need educationally or socially. This will affect them long-term.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I did not get the support I needed at school so spent a lot of time at home and the socialisation I missed out on still affects me today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled children must be given the best chance to be whatever they want to be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next government really needs to listen to our stories. They need to really, really listen to how these issues affect us, not just financially, but physically and mentally, too, and put more support in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anna\"><strong>Anna Tesdale&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Anna-Tesdale-and-Charlie-scaled-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Anna with her son, Charlie, smiling in the sunshine.\" class=\"wp-image-17157\"\/ style=\"object-position: 84.63% 41.94%;\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a mother and carer of a disabled child, and on behalf of thousands of families like my own across the country, this General Election is such key moment for us.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My son, Charlie, has a genetic condition called SPG11, which means he needs a lot of assistance, like an electric wheelchair and hoist. Keeping him warm is vital as he can\u2019t monitor his own body temperature. As a result, our energy bills are excessively high \u2013 and in the winter, the money put on the prepayment meter gets spent straight away.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My situation is sadly not unique. Disabled households like mine are struggling right now. The next government, whoever it may be, needs to make sure disabled people and their families are no longer feeling neglected and fearing for the future.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last year, I joined Sense with more than 80,000 people to call for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/get-involved\/campaign\/cost-of-living\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more support for disabled people to cope with the cost of living crisis<\/a>. I urge the next government to listen to our call and put disabled people at the heart of everything they do. It\u2019s not fair that disabled people pay the heaviest price during this crisis.\u202f\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living is not the only issue facing people with complex needs, their families and carers. The adult social care sector is underfunded, children\u2019s social care needs to be prioritised, support for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) provision is lacking, and the welfare system desperately needs reform.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There should also be no excuse for parties and candidates not making their communications accessible, especially if they follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/get-involved\/campaign\/general-election\/how-to-make-your-election-campaign-accessible\/\">Sense\u2019s simple accessibility guide<\/a>.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s make this election count for disabled people with complex needs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who\"><strong>Who are Sense?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We are a national disability charity, supporting everybody who is deafblind or has complex needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe that everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sense supports children, young people and adults in their homes and communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also campaign for disability rights and offer practical advice and support to families and carers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support\"><strong>Who does Sense support?\u202f<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962-1600x1066.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Snozone-print-101-e1716221689962.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sense supports disabled people with complex needs, including those who are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/conditions\/deafblindness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deafblind<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 1.6 million people in the UK with complex needs. This will rise to 2 million by the end of the next parliament in 2029.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people with complex needs tend to have two or more of the following:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Deafness or hearing impairment;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blindness or vision impairment;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning disability;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Autism.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>They may have other needs as well. Most of the people we support need significant or constant care in their daily lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the people we support have had complex needs from birth. Others have developed complex needs due to illness, injury or ageing. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\" id=\"recommendations\"><strong>Our seven key recommendations<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"costofliving\">1. <strong>Make sure disabled people can afford the essentials<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people have been struggling financially since before the cost of living crisis began. Now, many are barely able to afford food and energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10  align-right\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why does life cost more for disabled people?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people may have:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Higher energy bills, often due to higher heating costs or specialist equipment such as electric feeding pumps.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specialised dietary needs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport costs, such as taxis.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Large one-off costs such as a powered wheelchair.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home adaptations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Before the crisis, we found that disabled people were already <strong>three times more likely to be both<\/strong> <strong>behind on bills and regularly<\/strong> <strong>unable to afford food<\/strong> than those with no disability.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also found that <strong>over half of disabled people had run out of food and been unable to buy more <\/strong>at some point.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living crisis has put even more financial pressure on disabled people with complex needs. In 2023, we found that:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>7 in 10 disabled people with complex needs (70%) were worried about how they would cope financially over the winter months.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>68% of disabled people with complex needs were worried about having to eat fewer meals during the winter months.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>57% were turning their heating down or off because of the rising cost of living.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an issue that is not going away and needs a long-term solution, not just quick fixes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-pink-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure all disabled people can afford to heat and eat, we\u2019re asking the next UK government to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduce an energy social tarif<\/strong>f<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A social tariff is a lower energy tariff for people who struggle to pay their energy bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people often face higher energy bills, so urgently need this support.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reinstate disability cost of living payments<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living payments awarded in 2022 and 2023 were a drop in the ocean for many people compared to rising costs, but they were still welcome. Disabled people need them to be reinstated, along with longer term support.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Urgently set up an Extra Costs Task Force<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Disability Strategy committed the current government to establishing an Extra Costs Task Force.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next government should urgently set this task force up. They will comprehensively review the extra costs disabled people face, and work with markets and regulators to come up with solutions to address these.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Improve the Warm Home Discount<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-secondary-bullets\">\n<li>Reinstate the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/benefits-and-money\/benefits-and-financial-help-if-youre-a-disabled-adult\/help-with-energy-and-food-costs-for-disabled-people\/#warmhome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Warm Home Discount<\/a> for disabled people who claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase the amount awarded, to account for recent increases in energy bills.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more on covering the cost of essentials, <a href=\"#benefits\">see our recommendations on benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-right-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adultsocialcare\">2. Fund social care so no disabled adult goes without support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Adult social care is in crisis. Disabled people with complex needs are paying the price of chronic underfunding, with local authorities slashing support and providers struggling to find the care workers they need. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A quarter of disabled people with complex needs in the UK receive social care, but <strong>one in five don\u2019t feel that they have the right support to meet their needs<\/strong>.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A quarter of disabled people with complex needs who receive social care had their care provision cut in the past year<\/strong>. Astonishingly, <strong>15% had their care withdrawn altogether<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is inhumane to leave people without the care that they need.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also unacceptable that the latest government data shows that<strong> over 2000 people with learning disabilities and\/or autism are living in hospitals not homes<\/strong>.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure that every disabled person with complex needs can access support, the next government should:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Set out a 10-year funding plan for adult social care<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that providers and care workers are paid well for the care that they provide. This should include above-inflation rises each year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make sure that the social care system does more than meet basic needs<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Empower disabled people to develop their independence, be involved in their communities, and build relationships.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Invest in training, so that care workers can support, people to express themselves however they feel comfortable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Set out a fully-funded workforce plan<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Improve recruitment and retention in the adult social care workforce. This should include support for career development, and standardised pay\/conditions for the sector.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make reforms with disabled people with complex needs in mind<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that reform works for everyone who uses social care, whether they receive their care in residential care, supported accommodation, or in their own home.This should include disabled adults under the age of 65, who make up a third of people using social care.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bring home disabled people living in hospitals<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>End the scandal of people with learning disabilities and\/or autism living in inappropriate inpatient settings.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This should be done by:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Having appropriate mental health care and social care in place, so people don\u2019t have to be admitted to hospital unless they need it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking urgent steps to integrate people back into their communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investing in high-quality, community-based support for people leaving hospital.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking proactive preventative steps to safeguard those who are at risk.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-left-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"childsocialcare\">3. End the postcode lottery of social care for disabled children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A young boy wearing blue headphones laughing while he plays.\" class=\"wp-image-49234\" style=\"width:418px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-1067x1600.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2300-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many disabled children are not receiving the vital care they need.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being eligible for social care, disabled children are often deprioritised by an underfunded social care system that is struggling to handle many pressures.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children\u2019s social care is a broad area, covering children in care, safeguarding and exploitation, children in prison, as well as providing services for disabled children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a 2022 survey, only <strong>15% of parents of children with complex needs agreed that they have access to all the social care support they need.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Support is often only provided when families hit crisis point. This is too little too late.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are approximately 320,000 children with complex needs in the UK. Many of these children need daily support to thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To give disabled children the support they need, the next government should:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Close the funding gap in children\u2019s social care services<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Plug the in-year funding gap of \u00a3500 million in children\u2019s social care services.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide additional year-on-year ringfenced funding.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Simplify the legal framework for disabled children\u2019s social care<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Families should know their rights, and local authorities should know what is legally required of them. The current system allows for too much variation between different regions of the UK, as laws are interpreted differently in different areas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Represent disabled children in parliament<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduce a Minister for Disabled Children in the Department for Education.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Give disabled children fair access to short breaks<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Two thirds of parents of children with complex needs say they cannot access the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/support-for-carers\/respite-care-short-breaks-for-carers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">respite care<\/a> they need. The next government must:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-primary-bullets\">\n<li>Amend the statutory guidance on short breaks for disabled children to make access to short breaks equal across the country.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand the Short Breaks Innovation Fund to all local authorities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make it unlawful for local authorities to set artificial thresholds for short breaks assessments.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide long-term funding for short breaks.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prioritise early intervention and communication support<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Early intervention is vital. We want services to work together so that young children with complex needs and communication needs can access the right therapies and support.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make family hubs accessible to all<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/educationhub.blog.gov.uk\/2024\/01\/10\/family-hubs-everything-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Family hubs<\/a> should be accessible and inclusive to children with complex needs. Hubs should make sure they have the capacity and capability to support parents and carers with disabled children.\u202f\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-dual-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"send\">4. <strong>Give every disabled child equal access to education<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A young child playing with an abacus.\" class=\"wp-image-49227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-2240-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled children are being let down by our education system.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many are waiting far too long to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-stages\/childhood-and-school\/send-education-special-education-needs-disabilities\/education-health-and-care-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">education, health and care (EHC) assessments and plans<\/a>. Even when they have a plan in place, they\u2019re not getting the support they need.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mainstream and early years schools are underfunded and ill-equipped to identify and meet the needs of children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). There is a lack of clarity around who is responsible for SEND provision, and little accountability for schools and local authorities that are not meeting requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The situation is particularly urgent for deafblind children, who are often described as having multi-sensory impairment (MSI). They need specially trained MSI teachers \u2013 yet <strong>over half (52%) of local authorities do not employ any MSI teachers<\/strong>.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-blue-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To address the broken SEND system, the next Government should:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Invest \u00a334 million in an MSI Teacher Fund<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that all children with MSI have access to an MSI teacher and don\u2019t face barriers to education because of where they live.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hold local authorities accountable for long EHCP waiting times<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduce new measures to hold local authorities accountable for making children wait longer than the 20-week statutory timescale for EHCPs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There should be full reporting of local authorities who don\u2019t meet this requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bring in a long-term funding plan for SEND&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>All services should be able to effectively plan for upcoming need and provide a consistent support network to children and young people with SEND.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Simplify the process for parents navigating the system<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make it mandatory for local authorities to have a single point of contact for parents who need to speak about their child\u2019s SEND or social care needs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-dual-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits\">5. Make the benefits system work for disabled people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-right\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do disabled people need extra support?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people with complex needs are disproportionately likely to need support from the welfare system. Over half receive PIP, while almost a third get Universal Credit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefits system should be there to support disabled people with complex needs to lead independent and meaningful lives, whatever their circumstances. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Like the NHS, the welfare system should offer support to us all when we need it. But our benefits system is letting disabled people down.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people with complex needs often tell us that the process of applying for benefits is long, inaccessible and emotionally distressing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Benefit rates don\u2019t always cover the essentials, let alone the things it takes to make life meaningful.\u202f Nearly half of disabled people with complex needs (46%) found it very or somewhat difficult to afford costs related to their condition or impairment.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-green-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To make our benefits system fit for purpose, the next government should:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Review benefits payments to cover the cost of essentials<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For most disabled people, disability benefits aren\u2019t enough to cover costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sense research found that 76% of disabled people with complex needs who receive benefits are worried about coping financially.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The government must make sure disabled people can afford the essentials.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, that means uprating benefits with an up-to-date figure for inflation. This should be kept under review, in case benefits need to be uprated more regularly than annually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make PIP and UC applications more accessible<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Work with disabled people to simplify the PIP and UC application processes, so that everyone with complex needs can manage their claims independently.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Consider a wider range of evidence when assessing benefits claims<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Attach the same weight to evidence from support organisations, social care staff and other allied professionals as is attached to medical evidence. \u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-right-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"work\">6. Tackle barriers to work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Chris, a smiling man wearing a checked shirt, holding a headset in front of a computer.\" class=\"wp-image-49236\" style=\"width:360px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-533x800.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-1067x1600.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/SenseEmployment_Feb24-1618-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many disabled people face significant barriers to entering the workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over half of disabled people are out of work. Disabled people with complex needs are even less likely to have a job, with 82% being unemployed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every disabled person can enter employment, but anyone who wants to work should be able to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet many disabled jobseekers just aren\u2019t getting the specialist support they need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sense polling has found that <strong>over half of jobseekers with complex needs don\u2019t feel they have the support and equipment they need to find work<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the challenges don\u2019t stop when someone enters the workplace. Sense research has found that 44% of employees with complex needs had been harassed or bullied at work.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-secondary-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To support disabled jobseekers and employees, the next government must:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduce a \u00a35 million Jobcentre Assistive Technology Fund<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Equip every Jobcentre in England, Scotland and Wales with the assistive technology many disabled people need to look for work.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reform Access to Work<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make the programme fully accessible to disabled people. Every disabled person with complex needs should be able to make their application and manage their claims independently.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reform Disability Confident<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Make the requirements for Disability Confident accreditation more rigorous, and involve disabled employees in the process.\u202f<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-flair-left-primary-tint\"\/>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-hs-group  align-full  clearfix\">\t\t<div class=\"wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"minister\">7. Always have a senior Minister for Disabled People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people have been neglected<s>,<\/s> and left feeling like an afterthought by previous governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was never more evident than during the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Over half (53%) of disabled people felt their views were ignored during the pandemic<\/strong>, with <strong>57% feeling that they didn\u2019t receive enough support<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This feeling of being ignored has a knock-on effect on wellbeing. Our research found that disabled people with complex needs are more unhappy, more anxious and more lonely compared to the general population.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-title-primary\">What we&#8217;re asking for <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To prioritise disabled people, the next government should:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Always have a Minister for Disabled People at a senior level<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A minister should be always be in post at Minister of State level to make sure that disabled people have the champion they deserve. This role should be based in the Cabinet Office rather than the Department for Work and Pensions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is vital to have someone at senior level at the heart of government who can effectively work across all departments to factor the needs of disabled people into their work.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Place disabled people at the heart of policy-making<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabled people with complex needs should always be at the forefront of any policy developed across all departments of government.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Expand and prioritise the Cabinet Office\u2019s Disability Unit<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>At Sense, we have had productive engagement with the Disability Unit. Their remit should be expanded and their role in government prioritised.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block  slab    is-style-textured-primary-tint-10  align-full\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">  <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"note\"><strong>A final note<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the country navigates the aftermath of a global pandemic and grapples with ever-increasing cost of living, the stakes of this General Election are high.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, the stakes have never been higher for disabled people with complex needs, who face harsh realities and barriers all over the UK. \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking forward the recommendations in this manifesto, the next government has an opportunity to become the most disability-friendly government the UK has ever had.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This manifesto is a call to action and a demand for transformative change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of which party forms the next government, Sense is committed to working with them to realise these objectives.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will not stop campaigning until the lives of disabled people with complex needs are placed firmly at the heart of government priorities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"wp-block  box    is-style-textured-grey-tint-10\">    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>To find out more, contact our policy, public affairs and research team: <a href=\"mailto:policy.research@sense.org.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">policy.research@sense.org.uk<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A call to put people with complex needs at the heart of the next UK government.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":49196,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"content_label":[],"class_list":["post-49193","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49193"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49193\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"content_label","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_label?post=49193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}