MP supports Livability campaign for greater awareness for funding and services avaliable for disabled people

MP supports Livability campaign for greater awareness of

funding services available for disabled people

Tony Wright MP pledged his support to national disabled charity Livability’s campaign for better awareness of the funding and services available to disabled people at a recent campaign in Westminster.

Tony joined the staff and service users from Livability as the charity launched its findings of a recent survey showing that many disabled people are not aware of the services and funding available to them from their local authorities. The survey was carried out in anticipation of a big change in social care funding next year.

Individual Budgets is the new way the Government is encouraging disabled people to receive their support, and are due to be introduced in just over a year.  For the first time disabled people receiving services will be able to see how much money they have to spend and be in a position where they are directing how that money is spent. 

Tony said:

‘I am very pleased to support Livability in raising awareness of what is a significant change in social care funding. It’s extremely important that disabled people are aware of the funding opportunities available to them, and whilst Norfolk performed well, there is room for improvement.

‘Livability President Baroness Howarth, will present the charity’s concerns to Care Services Minister Phil Hope MP, and the charity will be delivering the damning findings and recommendations for urgent action to every MP and local authority in England. Through this action it is hoped that improvements can be made and funding schemes kept on track.’

Chief executive of Livability Mary Bishop said:

‘Individual Budgets have the potential to transform the lives of disabled people by giving them choice and control and yet awareness of them is inadequate. With just over a year to go until they are rolled out across England and Wales, it is clear that Central and local government need to be more prepared. It is vital that they engage with disabled people without further delay.’