We know that nearly three quarters of local authorities restrict care funding to individuals with support needs classed as "substantial" or "critical".
With social care assessments failing adequately to take into account blind and partially sighted people's support needs, this means many people with sight loss are left to go it alone.
Latest news - January 3, 2012
RNIB joined other members of the Care and Support Alliance to write an open letter to the PM about the urgent need for reform of the care system. The letter urges the Prime Minister to work with other party leaders to take urgent action to reform social care for older and disabled people.
Read the full letter online
Write to your MP urging them to contact the Prime Minister asking if he will commit to new legislation without a delay. (Since social care is devolved this action is for people in England only)
Engaging in the national debate
The thrust of current Government policy is towards maximising independent living and self-directed support through individual budgets and direct payments to service users. This presents considerable opportunities, but blind and partially sighted people will miss out on these unless barriers to access can be overcome.
We are involved in the national debate on the future of England's care and support system. In preparation of a projected Green Paper on the funding of social care, together with other organisations in the sight loss sector we organised a seminar on reform to our social care system.