Risks to human rights from proposed changes to supported living

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Vigil against Council's proposed cuts

The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to Rochdale Borough Council about the proposed changes to supported living for people with learning disabilities.

The Council proposes cost-saving measures which could see some individuals with learning disabilities, who currently live in a ‘supported living’ model, moved to residential care homes.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, EHRC Chief Executive said: "This could have an impact on the degree of choice they have about where they live and with whom they live, which could breach their human rights.

"We have asked the Council to ensure that it places human rights considerations at the heart of its decision-making process on the proposals.

“Living independently is one of the most important issues for disabled people across the UK. Rochdale Council’s proposed cost-saving measures could see people with learning difficulties facing restrictions in their right to choose where and with whom they live.

"It is to society’s shame that rights of disabled people have stalled, and we need to ensure they are no longer left behind in all areas of life including housing and independent living.

"We have written to the council to remind them of their duty to respect human rights when making their decisions. We have raised a number of issues with them and await their response.”

"We will soon be launching a major inquiry to examine issues related to disabled people, including those with learning disabilities. The inquiry will gather evidence and assess the provision and choice of housing for disabled people and its impact on independent living, and seek to identify innovative approaches to providing a choice of housing to enable independent living."