Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report which set out the next steps in the transformation of services and support for people with a learning disability in line with the learning disability strategy, vision and the learning from the consultation with people and families.

It was reported that the needs of people with a learning disability were continuing to change and becoming more diverse. People and families have higher expectations of what it meant to have an independent life in their community, and wanted more control over their lives. It was further reported that there were a number of key steps that the Council needed to take to achieve the vision and the three year improvement journey for people with a learning disability.

Reflecting on the comments of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Members observed that austerity was forcing the issue under consideration, rather than causing the issue itself. The promotion of independence was cited as a laudable aim for people with learning disabilities and it was suggested that it would be beneficial to visit other authorities who had adopted a similar approach to learn lessons from their implementation. This would help to provide some reassurance on a sensitive issue and assist in minimising disruption. In response, the Cabinet Member confirmed that opportunities to visit Wigan MBC and other places had been offered to Members and the managers of the Addison and Oaks Day Centres. He confirmed that there was no reason that further visits could not be organised.

Members queried how regularly assessments had been undertaken and it was confirmed by the Strategic Director that the service had not been strong on this historically. As part of the new strategy, a new team would be established that understood learning disabilities and the requirements of assessment. It was also confirmed that the transition from childhood to adulthood needed to be reviewed to improve the offer and it was recognised that a ‘one size fits all’ approach would not be appropriate.

It was confirmed that there had been five referrals to the Addison and Oaks Day Centres in the past twelve months. Responding to a supplementary question, it was explained that people did not want to go to these facilities. The Strategic Director confirmed that this had been down to individual choice and not a result of direction ahead the proposals to change the service.

Reference was made to advocacy services and Members queried the capacity of the advocacy services and whether they could manage the change. In response, the Cabinet Member confirmed that this was very important and the Council would ensure it was provided through organisations such as Speak Up. Following on, the Strategic Director advised that advocacy services were not being used well and contracts were being looked at with an eye to the future.

Resolved:-

1. That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2. That monitoring reports to be submitted to Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and/or Health Select Commission six months after implementation of the strategy and underlying work streams.

3. That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health consider how non-executive members can become involved in the evaluations of client experience in the delivery of the Learning Disability Strategy.

4. That visits to other authorities that have implemented a similar approach be arranged for Members and carers to observe the benefits outlined within the report.

5. That that prior to any decision on the future of Parkhill Lodge being made, a specific and formal consultation exercise be carried out on the proposed closure.