Local authorities must ensure people with learning disabilities are supported through the cost of living crisis, charity says.
Mencap has warned that Government efforts to help people during the cost of living crisis are ‘short term’ are will do little to help the 1.5 million people with a learning disability living in the UK.
They said that the crisis impacts those with learning difficulties particularly hard because they are on low incomes, rely on disability benefits, and need support to be able to budget and navigate complex information from energy suppliers.
The charity called on the Government to bring in longer term measures to deal with the crisis. They also urged local authorities to make sure their residents with a learning disability are supported by providing accessible information and removing barriers to support from schemes like the council tax rebate and Household Support Fund.
Matthew Harrison, public affairs and parliamentary manager from learning disability charity Mencap, said: ‘Mencap’s position on the cost of living crisis is simple – don’t forget about people with a learning disability. The Government, the energy regulator and providers and local authorities must step up support for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability living in the UK.’
He added: ‘Mencap is doing everything we can – we’re lobbying government, advising the energy regulator, mobilising our supporters, working with other charities, and making sure we provide accessible information on our website and helpline. But we need the government, policy makers, and private companies to play their part and make sure that people with a learning disability aren’t priced out and forgotten.’
