Reaction to the Coronavirus Bill

The current coronavirus poses unprecedented challenges. We know this more than anyone as we continue to deliver the very best social care services we can, despite enormous pressures.

This emergency legislation, however well-meaning, may have unintended consequences. The current emergency must not lead to an erosion of disabled people’s rights or support when these are needed most.

While we welcome the provisions of additional funding to support people during this crisis, we are greatly concerned about the effect of the proposed changes on the powers and duties of the Care Act 2014. Taking away established rights and safeguards will have a huge impact on disabled people, putting them at an even greater risk. 

The large-scale changes call into question eligibility for social care support, creating unnecessary stress for disabled people, their families and carers. This will potentially leave them without vital support — or the rights to request any. The government must outline the steps to mitigate this and ensure everyone is able to access the care they need. 

This new Bill will also put immense strain on charities supporting disabled people, while these organisations are trying to preserve delivery of essential services during the pandemic. The government must provide for additional support so that organisations can continue to effectively respond to the needs of disabled people in the coming months.

With the right support and funding organisations can continue to play a vital role in ensuring disabled people get the support they need, whilst alleviating the enormous pressures on the NHS and local authorities, which are building daily as cases and hospital admissions rise.

While we understand that action must be taken immediately to respond to the current crisis, we welcome the decision for this Bill to be reviewed every six months so that the hard-fought essential rights that the Care Act established can be fully reinstated.