Scope response to proposal to suspend Care Act

Ceri Smith, Head of Policy and Campaigns at disability equality charity Scope, said:

“The Care Act is vital to ensure disabled people’s right to social care, so it’s extremely worrying to see important protections within it being suspended.

“Social care is an absolute lifeline for many disabled people, but chronic underfunding has left the system on the verge of crumbling. 

"This crisis places further strain on this already struggling system. But removing rights to receive care is not the right way to go, even if these measures are temporary. It risks leaving some disabled people with only absolute basic support or even none at all, at a point where they may need it most.

“The government has made it clear that it wants to support people through these difficult times, but we fear the bill’s proposed withdrawal of rights and safeguards for disabled people who require care and support will put those in greatest need at greatest risk.

“We urge the government to act and revise the bill, so that disabled people can receive the support they need throughout this national crisis.”