Disabled People: Independent Living

Lord Addington Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Northover]

It is extremely important that the kind of provision that best suits an individual is the route that we go down. We must look at what the individual most needs, what they wish to have and what their carers and family feel is most appropriate for them. A lot can be done in different environments. It is very interesting to see how new technology may assist people who wish to stay at home, by ensuring that they can do that safely. There are all sorts of possibilities for people and it is important that provision is led by the individuals concerned.

[Lord Addington]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that one of the most important things that can be done is to make sure that when people ask for support and help, they get the right information? Government at all levels has a patchy record at best on this. What resources are being put in to make sure that when you ask a question, you get the right answer; and that the person who is asked the question is confident enough to go away and find someone who knows the answer if they themselves do not?

[Baroness Northover]

I could not agree more, from personal experience. It is extremely important that the right information is available. Certainly, the previous Government made progress in this regard, and we intend to take this further. It is extremely important that this is looked at from the point of view not of the provider but of the individual. Looking at it from their point of view will help to change the way in which these services are provided.