Agenda item

To follow

Report ACH20-072

The Committee considered a report on the draft Learning Disability (LD) Strategy. The report summarised the progress made and sought Member scrutiny and input to inform the continued progression and implementation of the Strategy and the LD Partnership Board. 

The Council and the CCG had jointly developed a LD Strategy that sets out the direction in relation to young people and adults with a learning disability. The Strategy had included significant co-production that had been facilitated with Bromley Mencap who, along with other providers, were developing services that were aligned with the outcomes in the Strategy. Delivery of the LD Strategy would be overseen by the LD Partnership Board which had been formed of service users, carers and representatives from key stakeholders including third sector organisations, an elected Member, the CCG and relevant departments from within the Council.

The LD Strategy had identified five priority areas: 1. Autonomy, voice and control; 2. Relationships and connections; 3. Education, training and employment; 4. Being active and well, and 5. Right support at the right time. These would be used to form the basis of action plans and commissioning priorities going forward. The delivery of the LD Strategy would be overseen by the LD Partnership Board, and working groups linked to each priority would be formed.

The Co-opted Member representing Bromley Experts by Experience enquired if it would be possible for the organisation to put itself forward as an associate member of the LD Partnership Board. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning said that this could be considered. Several people with learning disabilities would sit on the LD Partnership Board, and it would be beneficial to utilise the help and assistance of Experts by Experience to facilitate this.

The Co-opted Member further asked if the LD Partnership Board would receive input from young carers, as they would be required to balance caring responsibilities with personal needs, such as education. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that as it was an LD Partnership Board, this would be dependent on a carer’s individual circumstances. However, if further detail could be provided, this was something that could be looked at going forward.

Due to technical issues, Councillor Robert Mcilveen temporarily assumed chairmanship of the meeting.

A Member enquired if older representatives from special schools would be invited to attend, as this would allow input from those who would benefit in the future from these plans. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning responded that it was difficult to arrange in the current circumstances, but this was the intention, and once conventional meeting were resumed, school representatives would be sought. It was noted that there were also SEND and Children’s Social Care representatives on the LD Partnership Board.

In response to a question, the Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that going forward, they would look to commission services that were different, and reflected the younger cohort of users. Traditionally, there had been building-based day activities, but it was proposed to move to a more modern provision, which was attractive to those coming through transition. On occasion, services needed to be purchased outside of the Borough, and the Strategy would identify any gaps in the local provision and develop commissioning plans to fill them.

A Member asked for further details of the co-production process for the LD Strategy. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that there had been engagement with individuals spanning a broad age range and level of need, and Bromley Mencap had helped to facilitate the process. The priorities of the Strategy were the result of this co-production, and recognised the responses from everyone that took part. Older age groups were considered, and their needs were taken into account with regards to elements such as day services.

In response to a question, the Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that services were being developed on a post-COVID basis. Day services and planned respite provisions had been closed since March 2020, which had presented difficulties for a number of people. The impact of the pandemic on funding for charities and voluntary groups was constantly under review – it was not part of this particular project, but would be taken into account elsewhere.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder note the draft Learning Disability Strategy and Learning Disability Partnership Board – Terms of Reference.