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Written question asked by Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 13 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Learning Disability: West Dorset

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Dorset Integrated Care Board on (a) funding and (b) support for people with learning disabilities in West Dorset constituency.

Answer

The Government wants to better support disabled people, including those with a learning disability, to participate in society and access high quality care and support. Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out the actions we are taking to move care from hospitals to communities and prevent sickness rather than treat it. These reforms will support improved life outcomes for people with a learning disability through more holistic, personalised support. Specific action is also being taken to roll out mandatory training on learning disability for health and social care staff.

My rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has not had specific discussions with the integrated care board (ICB) as described. NHS England typically direct relationships with ICBs.

NHS Dorset has a Learning Disabilities budget of £99.18 million for 2025/2026. This budget covers the community services commissioned through their core contracts, non-contract activity, continuing healthcare commitments, support for individual patients, advocacy and support services, and some service development initiatives including the full implementation of a keyworker service.

In addition, each ICB must have an executive lead for learning disability whose role includes: supporting the board in addressing health inequalities; supporting equal access to care across all health services; and improving overall health outcomes.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
59978
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finance Learning disability West Dorset
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk