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Many people with learning difficulties are still being prevented from influencing decisions about the services provided for them, according to charity Mencap.

A survey by the charity shows that partnership boards introduced under the 'Valuing People' white paper are being marginalised because they have no real power.

The boards are required to have at least two people with a learning difficulty and two carers as members, but Mencap said major decisions about cuts were still being made by social services departments without the boards’ agreement.

Mencap’s head of external relations David Congdon said: "Although partnership boards have made some progress, it is very disappointing to learn that they are not more visible to the public. Little has changed in people’s lives because local authorities still see learning disability services as such a low priority."

The survey shows just 27 per cent of partnership boards are open to the public.

The survey 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' is available here