24/06/2026
For anyone concerned about the proposed chages to or transport in we have put together an email that you can use and send to your or even the Council.
One has already been sent to Charlie Maynard MP for Witney as he has previously joined us and heard some of our stories, but feel free to also email him.
Proposed chages below.
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/provider-engagement/news_feed/adult-social-care-contributions-policy-consultation-2
Please Oppose Oxfordshire's Proposed Adult Social Care Charging Changes
Dear *****
I am writing to ask for your urgent support in opposing Oxfordshire County Council's proposed changes to its Adult Social Care Contributions Policy and to publicly challenge these proposals on behalf of disabled residents, unpaid carers and their families.
These proposals are not simply about financial contributions. They have the potential to reduce opportunities, independence and quality of life for some of the very people social care exists to support.
I am particularly concerned about the impact on young adults with learning disabilities (*** add your main concern here**) who rely on social care support to participate in their communities, maintain independence, access education and employment opportunities, build friendships and live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
The proposed changes include reducing the standard Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowance, introducing charges for Adult Social Care transport and increasing charges for telecare services. While these may appear to be administrative or financial changes, the real-world consequences for disabled people could be profound.
For many disabled people, particularly those with learning disabilities, these are not optional services or discretionary expenses. They are essential supports that enable participation in society and help prevent isolation, dependence and deteriorating wellbeing.
The Council's charging policy has historically recognised that disability creates unavoidable additional costs that non-disabled people simply do not face. Disability Related Expenditure exists because disabled people often incur additional costs relating to transport, specialist equipment, communication needs, activities, personal support, higher utility bills, clothing, therapies and many other aspects of daily life.
Reducing the standard DRE allowance effectively assumes that disabled people need less support to meet these additional costs than is currently recognised. At a time when many families are already struggling with rising costs, this proposal risks placing further financial pressure on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
I am especially concerned for young adults with learning disabilities (*** add your concern here***) who are transitioning into adulthood. Many already live on extremely limited incomes and depend on social care support to achieve the outcomes that government policy and legislation are intended to promote. Every pound removed from their available income reduces opportunities to participate in community life, attend clubs and activities, maintain friendships, travel independently, pursue hobbies, develop life skills, access education or training opportunities and enjoy the same quality of life as their non-disabled peers.
The Care Act 2014 places a statutory duty on local authorities to promote individual wellbeing. The wellbeing principle is at the heart of the Act and includes personal dignity, physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing, protection from abuse and neglect, control over day-to-day life, participation in work, education, training and recreation, social and economic wellbeing, domestic and family relationships, suitability of living accommodation and an individual's contribution to society.
It is difficult to reconcile these objectives with proposals that reduce disabled people's disposable income while simultaneously introducing additional charges for services that support independence and community participation.
The purpose of adult social care should not simply be to keep people safe. It should enable people to live full and meaningful lives. For people with learning disabilities, participation in social activities, community groups, sports clubs, educational opportunities, volunteering, employment preparation and independent travel is not a luxury. It is fundamental to their wellbeing, development and inclusion in society.
The Care Act recognises that wellbeing extends far beyond basic care needs. A policy that leaves disabled people with less money to engage in their communities risks undermining many of the very outcomes that the Act was designed to protect.
Furthermore, under Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, public authorities must have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations for disabled people. Disabled residents are uniquely and disproportionately affected by these proposals because they already face higher living costs as a direct consequence of their disabilities.
The cumulative impact of reducing DRE allowances, increasing transport charges and increasing telecare charges risks creating a significant disadvantage for disabled people. Any assessment of these proposals should consider not only each measure individually, but also their combined impact on the same group of residents.
Whilst the Council has suggested that individuals may request assessments to demonstrate higher disability-related costs, this places the burden on disabled people and their families to navigate additional administrative processes simply to retain recognition of costs that are already widely acknowledged to exist.
At a national level, disabled people and their families are already facing considerable uncertainty about future support and rising living costs. Local authorities should not be compounding those pressures through policies that reduce financial independence and create further barriers to participation in community life.
I believe there is a wider principle at stake here. Adult social care should support disabled people to thrive, not merely survive. Adults with learning disabilities\disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to build friendships, pursue interests, contribute to their communities and enjoy fulfilling lives. Policies that reduce their ability to do so risk increasing exclusion, loneliness and inequality.
I hope you will use your position to ensure their voices are heard.
I therefore ask that you:
• Publicly oppose these proposals;
• Write to Oxfordshire County Council urging them to withdraw or substantially revise them;
• Seek assurances that the Council has properly considered its duties under the Care Act 2014 and Equality Act 2010;
• Raise concerns with the relevant Ministers and departments where appropriate; and
• Advocate for a social care charging policy that protects disabled residents and supports genuine inclusion, independence and wellbeing.
The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. These proposals risk balancing budgets on the backs of disabled people, including young adults with learning disabilities who already face significant barriers and additional costs every day. I urge you to stand with disabled residents, unpaid carers and their families by opposing these changes and pressing for a fairer alternative.
I would be grateful to know your position on these proposals and what action you intend to take on behalf of your constituents.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Postcode]
Dear colleagues / partners,We are writing to inform you that Oxfordshire County Council has now launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the Adult Social Care (ASC) Contributions Policy.This consultation forms part of a broader review of ASC charging arrangements, bringing together prop...
