Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Reports

Lord Sterling of Plaistow Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[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.

[Lord Sterling of Plaistow (Con)]

My Lords, everybody knows that this subject is dear to the Minister’s heart but, from my experience over many years, the workforce gets very nervous of having disabled people working with them. Employers and other people will give support, but the employees themselves have to feel comfortable with having disabled people working alongside them. Is the Minister able to do something about that?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes good points and I am glad that he does so. I have just had a word with the Minister from the DWP, who has confirmed—I am sure that the noble Lord will welcome this—that the DWP is working with employers on this. I can also say that, among staff generally, over 3 million people have completed the first part of the Oliver McGowan mandatory training, which is the Government’s preferred package. I am sure—in fact, I know—that that training is making a considerable difference in meeting the point that the noble Lord raises.