Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Reports

Debate between Baroness Merron and Lord Blunkett

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am sure that all this will be clarified—but I will be delighted to change my reference. Indeed, this is extremely important, which is why we have a learning disability improvement standard to support NHS trusts, why each ICB has an executive lead on a learning disability and autism and why, among other things, we are rolling out the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism.

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

My Lords, I was not sure who I was giving way to, but I am glad that God is on my side. Does my noble friend agree that, as part of that neighbourhood approach, two things should happen? The first is joined-up services, including good training for support workers where supported housing is concerned. Secondly, the major changes in abolishing NHS England should retain services at place level, rather than have the bureaucrats overseeing them.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree with the points that my noble friend raises. Indeed, local provision is the responsibility of local trusts. I assure him that a huge part of our work is about improving care pathways and seeing people as a whole person. Part of the failing previously, I think, has been not to see those with learning disabilities and/or autism as whole people with a range of needs, just like anyone else, with those needs being specific to them. Certainly, moving from hospital to community under the 10-year plan will be a great assistance in that.

Safe Housing and Hospital Discharge

Debate between Baroness Merron and Lord Blunkett

Wednesday 19th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Lord puts the case strongly for the process of home adaptations. As I have already mentioned, we have provided an immediate in-year uplift to the disabled facilities grants of some £86 million, which will enable people to adapt their homes exactly in the way that the Centre for Ageing Better describes, and I welcome its work. I should say that it is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that they are supporting applicants through the process of home adaptations as much as possible. We are always looking at ways to improve the process and share good practice, so I welcome the contribution of the Centre for Ageing Better.

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

Will my noble friend confirm that very few integrated care boards are either integrated or about care? Much of the work that should be going on is going on with health and well-being boards, which are a combination at place level of the relevant local authority and the health service at the point where delivery takes place.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My noble friend has given me an invitation to agree with him. As he knows, it would be quite inappropriate to suggest that integrated care boards are not integrated or about care—that is their focus—but I appreciate his view on the matter. I do agree with him that much good work is done on the health and well-being boards. This all says to me that local decision-making, and local provision for local populations with their particular dimensions and demands, is the best way forward. My final point on this question is that local systems have to agree plans to achieve more timely and effective discharge from hospital, and to work with local authorities to develop those plans.