Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 4 February (HL14044), whether the definition of “complex needs” will align with the definition to be used in the Schools White Paper.

Our 10-Year Health Plan will ensure that people with complex needs are supported to be active participants in their own care. As part of this, 95% of people with complex needs or long-term conditions will have an agreed personalised care plan by 2027. Care plans will be a feature of the developing Neighbourhood Health Service, which will deliver more care in local communities and move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, giving people more power and choice over the care they receive.

Work is currently underway to determine the definition of “complex needs” in the context of this target, and how care plans will be delivered in the future, including who will be best placed to coordinate and support delivery of care plans. This includes whether individuals who require Education, Health and Care Plans will be encompassed.