To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards implementing their programme to withdraw provision of NHS residential accommodation for people with severe learning disabilities by 2010.

My Lords, the Government are making good progress towards the commitment announced in Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, published in 2006, to close NHS residential accommodation—campuses—for people with learning disabilities by 2010. In August 2007, about 2,100 people lived in NHS campuses. By October 2008, the number was about 1,000. The Government’s commitment to measuring progress in the campus closure programme is part of the Valuing People Now published delivery plan.

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for his reply, I must express my concern about the uncertain future of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Will he confirm that their dispersal from NHS campuses has no statutory authority, contrary to the impression that many NHS authorities have given? Is he aware that local authorities have no legal obligation to provide 24-hour care services and that some have abandoned plans to build special housing? Will the Government ensure that these vulnerable people are properly assessed for living in the community as the law requires and, if those obligations and the White Paper commitments are not implemented, will the Government consider postponing next year’s deadline?

My Lords, I agree with the noble Baroness. Many people who are still in campuses need very high levels of support—for example, those with physical or sensory disabilities as well as their learning disabilities, or even complex behaviours that compose a challenge for services. Government policy is clear: everyone could benefit from good support to live in the community if that support is tailored to their particular requirements. I cannot stress enough what at local level that personalised care should be about. The noble Baroness also asked about the statutory powers. The White Paper does not have the effect of statute and did not create a mandatory duty to close NHS campuses. However, there has been extensive public involvement and consultation carried out nationally and in the lead-up to the White Paper.

My Lords, I declare as usual my interest as the father of an adult daughter with severe intellectual impairment. Are the Government aware that the families of many, if not most, of those compulsorily moved out of long-stay institutions now believe that their relatives have suffered much under care in the community and were in fact better off before? Would it therefore not be better to leave the remaining facilities permanently open and to concentrate on their appropriate expansion, rather than to continue with the programme of closure?

My Lords, it is understandable that friends, families and carers might have anxieties about whether someone’s needs will be adequately met through supported living in the community. However, all planning for the future of people living in campuses must be based around person-centred planning. We believe that NHS campuses are no longer appropriate, because they were originally designed for groups and not individuals. These new services will be much more able to respond positively to what people actually want in their day-to-day lives.

My Lords, what means of redress is available to an individual who finds that when he or she has moved to a community setting their level of support has decreased?

My Lords, redress to the local PCT or health authority is available. I re-emphasise the point that, prior to any move occurring, that move needs to be tailored around the needs of the patient as well as their families and carers. In the history of this policy, more than 1,000 people have moved into the community. I have numerous examples of very satisfied people. For example, in Hampshire, two brothers were living in a large group on a campus, but their elderly mother lived too far away to visit regularly. They now share a house close to their mum and have good support.

My Lords, now that the transfer of residential homes for those with learning disabilities from NHS stock to social services is well under way, will the Minister confirm that the Government will provide additional finance, not only because of the recession and all that that implies, but also because, as the Centre for Disability Research has recently stated, the annual increase in the rate of those who have learning disabilities is 5 per cent? I declare an interest as chairman of a residential home for women with learning disabilities and as a parent.

My Lords, to support this programme of closing NHS campus-style services, we made a commitment of £96 million in revenue grant, which is available for three years from 2008 to 2011, in addition to £175 million in capital grant. I have no doubt that the revenue grant will be reviewed regularly. I take the point and I will be more than happy to look into it further.

My Lords, the Minister said that he has had comments from people about how satisfied they are with the provision that has been made in the community. Does he have any figures for the number of complaints that have been made where people have not been satisfied with the services?

My Lords, I do not have the exact figure, but I know what has been published in the media. I have come across three complaints. I understand that the most recent one, from Sutton and Merton, is already resolved. Three is a very small number in contrast to the 1,000 people who have already moved. It is always worth while reminding ourselves that this policy is about the right to lead the same kind of life as anyone else, with the same opportunities and responsibilities, and to be treated with the same dignity and respect.