To advise Cabinet of two major developments for services for people with learning disability and seek endorsement of the approach.

Cabinet received a report on two major developments in personalised services for people with learning disability in Herefordshire and Cabinet’s endorsement was sought on the approach. 

Cabinet was advised that the two main issues for people with learning disabilities was to have self-directed support and own accommodation.  It was emphasised that service users wanted to have a move towards self-directed support and to have their own accommodation, as opposed to institutional accommodation, thus giving independence and choice.  It was noted that there were 535 local residents with learning disabilities in receipt of services, with an additional 140 people placed locally by other authorities who require the use of local health services. 

Cabinet was reminded that learning disability was life long and the aim was to improve outcomes for residents giving the means to work and be part of the community.  The report was commended by Cabinet and Members were encouraged to attend the forthcoming seminar for all Councillors on services for people with learning disabilities. 

RESOLVED

      THAT:

           (a)         Cabinet endorse self-directed support as the mainstream service response to meeting the needs of people with learning disability from April 2008, and authorise the Cabinet Member (Social Care Adults and Health) to agree the level of the Resource Allocation System;

           (b)         Cabinet authorises officers to complete the partnership agreement negotiations on the detail of the contract with Focus Futures.  A further report to be brought to Cabinet as a key decision for agreement of the contract and financial terms and conditions;

           (c)         a seminar on services for people with learning disability be provided for all Members; and

           (d)         all Members receive a copy of the Cabinet Report.