A LOCAL man travelled to London to present a petition calling for an increase in adult social care funding.

Tim Sumner from Moreton-in-Marsh who has learning disabilities, travelled with his senior support worker Denise Mumford and others to Westminster where they handed over the petition signed by more than 3,850 people.

He receives support from Hft, a national charity working with people who have learning disabilities.

Denise Mumford, Senior Support Worker at Hft Worcestershire, said: “I have been with Hft for just over 26 years and I have seen many changes throughout this time.

"However the current funding shortfall in the care sector is by far the most serious.

"It has huge implications for the people we support and the care we are able to provide.

"It threatens everything we’ve worked to achieve for people, like Tim.

The petition was launched in response to the introduction of the National Living Wage, as part of Hft’s It Doesn’t Add Up campaign.

Whilst the charity supports the payment of the National Living Wage, they believe that the Government should meet the shortfall faced by providers from the increased salary costs.

The charity believes this is vital to ensuring the range of care and quality of support offered can continue.

The group tour began at the department for work and pensions where a copy of the petition was left for the minister for disabled persons, Penny Mordunt.

Copies were also left at the department for business, energy and industrial strategy for Margot James and the department of health for David Mowat.

Billy Davis, policy and public affairs manager for Hft said: “I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition, which provides a clear demonstration of the strength of feeling around this issue.

"Despite repeated warnings from regulators and industry bodies around the fragility of the sector, the absence of social care from the Autumn statement, means the need for additional funding is now greater than ever.

“We hope that our petition shows ministers the growing support for a properly funded social care sector to ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are not left without vital specialist support.”