Number of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities sees 'sustained and accelerating' growth
July 2009
The population of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities is experiencing "sustained and accelerating" growth according to new research commissioned by the Department of Health.
A research report by the Centre for Disability Research (CeDR) at Lancaster University has found an average annual percent increase of 1.8% in the numbers of adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities in England over the time period 2009-2026
Learning disability charity Mencap is calling on the government to take this growth rate into account when allocating funding for social care services.
The growth arises from a number of factors including more babies being born with profound disabilities who are surviving early years of life and living longer into adulthood.
David Congdon, head of campaigns and policy at learning disability charity, said: "What this research shows us is that year-on year there will be more people with critical needs requiring health and social care support.
"We know at the moment that many local authorities are failing to meet the range and complexity of needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. To tackle the problem local authorities must look at the number of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in their area so they can better plan services to meet their needs.
"Central government must also take this increase into account when they allocate funding for services for adults with a disability."
