This is a letter that was sent to the Guardian newspaper

Su Sayer wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper last week, She said the needs of people with learning disabilities should not forgotten when the Government is talking about the future of funding for social care.

Dear Sirs

It is time we had an honest discussion about the future of social care in England.

I am pleased that the health secretary, Alan Johnson, has started the discussion. He said that the current funding is not enough to meet the Government's target of providing first class personal care for those who need it.

It is sad that the media attention only focuses on how this will affect old people in the future. Old people are important, but they are not the only group affected by social care funding.

Alan Johnson said that the quality of life of people with disabilities is also in danger.

United Response works with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs around the country and we can see the pressure on local authorities to cut care for the people we support.

Social care is starting to be targetted more at the people with the most "critical and substantial" needs.

People with "mild and moderate" learning disabilities are being excluded. This reduces their independence and quality of life.

The Government's goal for first class social care for those who need it is great, but there don't seem to be enough resources.

Ivan Lewis, the minister for care services said this is one of our greatest challenges. He says that we need a fairer system, where people feel that what they give and what they expect to receive is fair. It also has to be affordable.

This is an important and urgent debate.

It is important that we think about everyone who is affected, including people with learning disabilities.

Yours faithfully

Su Sayer
Chief Executive, United Response