Learning Disabilities (Hansard, 10 May 2004)

§ Paul Holmes
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been invested in the Learning Disability Development Fund; from what sources the funding comes; and if he will make a statement. [170197]

§ Dr. Ladyman
"Valuing People—a New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21^stCentury" announced the creation of the learning disability development fund (LDDF) to provide central support for key aspects of the strategy. It was introduced in 2002–03.
The revenue allocations were £20.6 million in 2002–03, and £21.1 million in 2003–04. The capital allocations for both years were £20 million.
The revenue element of the LDDF is formed from that element of the old long stay adjustment within general health allocations which is released as former long stay patients die.
The LDDF capital is additional investment which resulted from the 2002 spending review.

§ Paul Holmes
To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with learning disabilities have access to a health facilitator; how many have received an health action plan, broken down by region; and if he will make a statement. [170199]

§ Dr. Ladyman
The number of people with learning disabilities with access to a health facilitator and a health action plan is not available.
Good practice guidance was issued in July 2002 on two key elements of the strategy for improving the health of people with learning disabilities: health action plans and health facilitation. This was followed up with 168W a series of regional workshops. In the light of these the percentage 'Valuing People' support team has been working with local learning disability partnership boards to help them implement health action plans and health facilitation in their areas.
"Building on the Best", our response to the consultation on choice, responsiveness and equality in the national health service, published in December 2003, said that we will bring forward proposals during 2004 to offer disabled people the option of taking up an annual health check. We are considering how to take this forward in a way that will further support the health action planning process.