Editorial Comment: New champion required for Valuing People

We are on the cusp of something big with Valuing People Now. The consultation on the impressive refresh of the 2001 original closes on 28 March, with every chance the ensuing policies will finally make choice and independence a reality for this group.

If you haven’t contributed then now is the time to do so by emailing valuingpeoplenow@dh.gsi.gov.uk

The government has made £100m available over three years to ensure that those people with learning disabilities living on NHS campuses are moved into the community. Disturbingly, it has been revealed that as many as 1,700 are still living in such institutions so it must be a priority if another Cornwall or Sutton is to be avoided.

Unfortunately, the person who has driven much of this progress – Rob Greig – has a new job and there’s no word on a replacement. We need one, and soon.

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Mike Broad

This article appeared in the 20 March issue under the headline “Searching for a champion”