Government axes learning disability programme team

The government has axed the team delivering its central learning disability strategy even though it has nearly a year left to run.

The three-year Valuing People Now strategy, which aims to improve the services for people with learning disabilities, was launched in January 2009.

A programme team in the Department of Health was charged with its delivery, along with nine local regional leads, but will disband in April.

“Delivery will now no longer be led through the centrally funded programme team, which will cease from the end of the current financial year,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Health.

“But local action is not dependent on that and will continue, through local partnership boards and through the cross-government programme board.”

Paul Burstow, minister for care services, will continue to chair the cross-government programme board, which is responsible for overseeing the strategy and includes carers and provider organisations.

The news follows yesterday’s launch of guidance for professionals within the criminal justice service for dealing with people with learning disabilities.

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