Learning disability services have faced ‘drastic reduction in funding’ despite saving NHS money

People with learning disabilities face a “cliff-edge” of support as services are “severely underfunded”, the government has been warned.

An open letter from the non-profit organisation Social Finance, The Henry Smith Charity and at least 15 advocacy groups is urging the government to take “action to address the rising demand for independent community advocacy”.

The role of an independent advocate is to support and represent a person with a learning disability who may find it difficult to communicate their needs or understand the care processes.

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The Henry Smith Charity introduced a £2.6m fund to help people access this support amid concerns for the sector. It was distributed to 15 organisations and supported more than 1,600 people – including children and adults – to lead more independent lives between 2022 and 2024.

It also generated £34.5m in savings for public services. For every £1 invested, it has generated £7 for the NHS and £5 for local councils.

Nadine Smith, executive director at Social Finance, said: “Support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people is severely underfunded, leading to repeated crises at great personal and taxpayer cost. The majority of councils and the NHS can provide only the basics, leaving underfunded grassroots groups to fill the gaps, while the sector’s future and those it serves remain at risk. 

“Our report shows how life-changing independent support can be, helping people with learning disabilities and autistic people live fulfilling lives while easing pressure on highly stretched public services. We urge the government to see this evidence as part of their goal to shift from treatment to prevention and from hospitals to community by partnering with expert charity organisations.”

Analysis, which has been independently verified, found that savings were achieved by preventing individuals from relying on costly hospital care. Instead, they were able to access more appropriate supported or independent help in the community.

Lucy Hoy, a team leader at Impact Initiatives, an advocacy service based in Sussex, said that she has seen a “drastic reduction in funding” which has “severely compromised our ability to support vulnerable individuals, leaving many without the critical advocacy support they desperately need to navigate this complex world”.

“Our experience is showing us this gap is placing increased strain on local authorities, emergency services and the NHS. The simple fact is that even providing limited advocacy support can lead to notable improvements to an individual’s independence and wellbeing,” Hoy said.

“It is essential that we recognise the value of advocacy and invest in itto ensure everyone has access to the basic support they need to live dignified, independent lives.”

It comes as local authorities in England face pressures, with councils set to face a £2.3bn budget gap next financial year, rising to £3.9bn in 2026/27. Meanwhile, the NHS continues to struggle with growing backlogs and increasing strain on staff.

The open letter calls on the the government to appoint a lead policy official within the Department for Health and Social Care, working closely with the Cabinet Office’s Disability Unit, to oversee independent advocacy support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

It argues that policy must address the “unsafe gaps caused by fragmented departmental responsibility and a cliff-edge of holistic and specialist support at age 18-25”.

The government is also asked to establish a national community fund for people with learning disabilities and autism, with an initial investment of £2m per year – just 0.003% of the £69bn the government will provide in grants to local authorities in England in 2025/2026.

William Jacks, director of research, strategy and engagement at The Henry Smith Charity, said: “Independent advocacy amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard, ensuring dignity, fairness, and choice for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

“This report demonstrates the value of advocacy services and highlights what people and organisations involved in this work have long known – that advocacy improves people’s lives.”

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