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Learning Disability

The Future of Learning Disability Provision in Surrey

Surrey Care Association is working to support learning disability providers in Surrey as a direct response to the major shift in social care provision called for by the Government. The government has set out its goal to see a more person centred approach to people in need of social care support. A major plank in achieving this goal requires the market to shift to greater use of supported living models of support, with a corresponding reduction in the demand for residential care. The rollout of self directed support that will see service users holding their own budgets for social care and deciding what support services they wish to receive will also contribute to changes to the market for services.

Initial funding from Surrey County Council enabled SCA to begin work on a project in early 2008 aimed at informing providers of residential care about the implications of shifting their business model to one delivering supported living. Unless a residential home closes, this will require voluntary deregistration with the agreement of the Care Quality Commission. Changing the configuration of existing services is a complex issue and SCA will help them through regular briefings and by signposting to other resources and experts.

Any provider thinking of starting a new residential care business for people with a learning disability in Surrey is advised to exercise extreme caution before proceeding as demand for only the most specialist provision appears to be required at present and existing providers with a proven track record may well be preferred by the county council.

SCA are continuing to work with this project and other issues facing providers, This work is being supported by Alan Willmott, Senior Associate Consultant, SCA:
email: alan.willmott@surreycare.org.uk
telephone: 01483 811203