WITH the sudden departure of Jeremy Hunt as Health and Social Care Secretary, there’s no doubt that the new appointee, Matt Hancock, is inheriting a sector in crisis.

This announcement has further rocked the boat after a turbulent few months in health and social care.

But with his economics background and time spent in the Public Accounts Committee, I hope that Mr Hancock is more willing to find economic solutions to the social care – and thus wider health – sector than his predecessor.

We are looking to Mr Hancock to steady the ship with a robust plan that finally puts adult social care at the top of the agenda, and tackles the alarming health inequalities that people with autism and learning disabilities face on a daily basis.

Social care is all about the people it supports, and we hope Mr Hancock will find the time to engage meaningfully with the thousands of people with learning disabilities and autism, in respect of whom the Government is verging on shirking its responsibilities.

Mr Hancock would make a strong start by tackling the pressing issues of the LEDER report and the Sleep-Ins crisis. Then all eyes will be on the autumn budget for an indication of how Hancock plans to reform health and social care.

At Dimensions we have a clear set of goals for ensuring people with learning disabilities receive the best possible care. Our door is very much open to working with the Government to make this a reality.

Alicia Wood, Dimensions, a not-for-profit organisation providing support for people with autism and learning disabilities, Reading