The mental health charity Mencap yesterday called on local authorities to provide 6000 more accommodation places per year for adults with Downs Syndrome and other learning disabilities.

A report from the organisation found that although 6,000 people require the accommodation, only 227 places are planned in England per year.

Forum Response: The Disabilities Trust

Matt Townsend, public affairs officer at The Disabilities Trust, told ePolitix.com: "The Trust welcomes the publication of this report from Mencap, it is a sad fact that too many people with learning disabilities including people with some forms of autism which may involve a learning disability are left adrift by social services when their long time carers, often parents or other relatives are no longer able to cope.

"It is also unacceptable that half those local authorities surveyed in the report are unaware of the needs of people with a disability for care and support after their present carers are too old or infirm to carry on and have not made the necessary provision."