Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary or other relevant interests declared.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 April 2014 were agreed and signed as a true record.  There were no matters arising.

Report of the Executive Director, People

Cabinet Member received a report of the Executive Director, Resources, which was a progress report in relation to a renewed All Age Learning Disability Strategy for the period 2014-2017.

The Council was committed to improving the lives of people with a learning disability through working with health and other stakeholders.  The current Strategy had expired in 2013 and work was progressing to develop a new strategy which covered a number of strategic themes, the central one of which was an all age approach to disability.  It took into account key policy documents including “Valuing People Now” (2009), “Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives” (2010), “Think Autism” (2014) and the “Winterbourne Concordat” (2012).

Enabling people to be supported in the community and close to home was a priority for people with learning disabilities and a common policy theme, as well as being a key consideration within the Strategy.

Members were supportive of the work being done but were concerned that the stigma of mental illness and perceptions about people with learning disabilities should be addressed positively within the strategy in order to break down existing barriers and encourage inclusion.

RESOLVED that after due consideration of the report and matters raised at the meeting, the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Supported the strategic themes for learning disabilities and the development of these in accordance with an all age approach to disability and integration with health.

(2)  Would receive a further report at a subsequent Cabinet Member meeting to accept the strategy on behalf of the City Council, following appropriate engagement with health partners and other stakeholders.

There were no additional items of public business.