Councils' failings are causing human rights abuses, says RADAR

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Responding to ombudsman reports released today that find two councils have failed in their legal duties to provide care and assistance to disabled people, Liz Sayce, Chief Executive of RADAR, said "These cases show that budget cuts in social services are becoming human rights abuses - and these cases are not isolated incidents.

It is absolutely unacceptable that in our society individuals are deprived of dignity, and denied their rights to participate in society, because social care budgets are being squeezed by Councils struggling to balance their books and arguing over who should pay ".

Leeds City Council Local Ombudsman found that due to failings of the council a profoundly disabled woman was confined to bed in one room of her house for 2 years - causing her added pain and discomfort, and denying her the right to live independently, and her right to a family life. In a separate case Lancashire County Council was found to have failed in its duty to provide help with school transport for a child who had developed mobility problems, which placed unnecessary barriers to her education.

RADAR is calling for reform of our social care system so that it is designed to support disabled people of all ages and backgrounds to take control of our own lives, live with dignity, and participate fully in, and contribute to, society as equal citizens. This would benefit everyone: disabled people, our families and society at large.

Liz Sayce said "Today's reports show that the system is in crisis, failing to provide basic 'life and limb' support to some, and failing to support many others in the basic right to participate in social and economic life. 75% of councils now refuse support to people with moderate needs - restricting support only to 'critical' or 'substantial' needs. This only leads to increased spending in the long run when people's needs become 'substantial' or 'critical' without the early intervention needed. RADAR supports the Independent Living Bill which sets out a legislative framework to address the current flaws in the system and would create a system that is fit for the future, one we can all rely on".