Safe Spending for Adults with a Learning Disability
New Report – sponsored by Nationwide
Scroll down for accessible and Easy Read versions
Landmark Report – A Call to Action for Financial Services
Everyone deserves to manage their money with confidence, dignity and independence, but for the 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability that basic right is often denied.
Project Nemo is proud to launch a landmark report, sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, exploring the financial barriers faced by the 1.5 million adults in the UK with a learning disability when managing everyday money in an increasingly digital world.
Executive Summary
Key findings and recommendations for financial services to better support people with a learning disability.
Financial exclusion doesn’t just impact bank balances, it undermines well-being, confidence, and independence.
People with learning disabilities are being left behind by systems that weren’t designed with their needs in mind. As digital payments rise and in-person services decline, many face growing difficulty navigating everyday money management, often forced to rely on risky workarounds or overly formal solutions that strip away autonomy.
This report identifies clear, actionable steps for financial services to lead change, ensuring products and policies reflect real people’s needs.
Key findings and recommendations:
- Personalisation is the cornerstone of inclusive financial services accessible by design
- Financial exclusion directly affects well-being and independence.
- A stronger focus on the financial needs of people with a learning disability is essential.
- Risky workarounds expose individuals to harm.
- Specific features could transform financial accessibility.
“People used to speak for me, about me, and in front of me as though I didn’t have anything to say. Through Project Nemo, I now have an equal seat at the table, helping share conversations about people like me, ensuring our needs are fully understood and the future of financial services works for everyone”
says Kris Foster, co-founder of Project Nemo.
This is the most comprehensive research of its kind. It amplifies voices that are too often spoken for, and offers solutions and opportunities that banks, fintechs, and policymakers can take forward – including features co-designed with the community.
Access the Report in the Way That Suits You
There are three versions of the report available to download:
- Full report – a traditional format for digital reading, which may not meet all accessibility needs. Download full report.
- Accessible version – designed to be inclusive for all, featuring screen reader compatibility, clear structure, alt text for images, and easy-to-read formatting. Download accessible version.
- Easy read version – a simplified version with clear language and helpful visuals to support understanding. Download Easy Read version.
Please share this page widely. Together, we can help educate organisations and drive change to better support this community.
Learn More
This report is one of four workstreams we’re progressing to improve financial accessibility for people with learning disabilities. To explore the full picture of the work Project Nemo and our partners are doing, visit our Learning Disability page.