§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the quality of care in the community for people with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [110799]
§ Mr. HuttonWork is currently under way on developing a new national learning disability strategy. The strategy will look at a wide range of issues, including services for people with learning disabilities living in the community.
The National Health Service and local authorities have been asked to prepare Joint Investment Plans (JIPs) for people with learning disabilities from April 2001. The JIPs will provide a practical means for implementing the learning disability strategy and an excellent opportunity for the NHS and local authorities to consider how the flexibilities in the Health Act 1999 can best be used to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Promoting independence and social inclusion are key themes of JIPs.