Agenda item

This report seeks approval for the publication and delivery of the Learning Disability Big Plan 2026–2031, which sets out the shared priorities for supporting people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to live fulfilled lives. The Plan has been developed through the Learning Disability Partnership Board, in partnership with people with lived experience, families, carers, providers, voluntary sector organisations, BCP Council and NHS Dorset. It reflects the Council’s commitment to co-production, person-centred support and the duties set out in the Care Act 2014.

The Big Plan has been shaped through extensive engagement and consultation. Engagement events in 2024 involved over 150 people, followed by formal consultation between February and March 2026, which received 97 responses across online and paper formats. Feedback was broadly supportive of the Plan and its vision, while highlighting the need for clearer communication, more joined-up services, earlier support, greater consistency and a stronger focus on delivery and real-life impact.

The final Plan is structured around seven Big Aims: Where I Live; Staying Healthy; Having a Good Life; Right Care and Support; Keeping Safe; Becoming an Adult; and Support for My Family. These aims focus on improving housing choice, health outcomes, community inclusion, personalised care and support, safety, transition into adulthood and support for families and carers.

Delivery will be overseen by the Learning Disability Partnership Board, with action groups responsible for progressing the agreed priorities and reporting progress quarterly. Further work is required to confirm the delivery arrangements for Right Care and Support and Having a Good Life, including whether dedicated groups are needed or whether actions can be embedded within existing governance structures.

The Committee is asked to approve the Learning Disability Big Plan for publication and delivery, enabling continued co-production with local people, families and partners and supporting a clearer framework for improving outcomes for people with a learning disability across BCP.

Cllr Hazel Allen joined the meeting at 18:38pm at the start of this item.

Two Members of the Learning Disability Partnership Board presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report sought approval for the publication and delivery of the Learning Disability Big Plan 2026–2031, which set out the shared priorities for supporting people with a learning disability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to live fulfilled lives. The Plan had been developed through the Learning Disability Partnership Board, in partnership with people with lived experience, families, carers, providers, voluntary sector organisations, BCP Council and NHS Dorset. It reflected the Council’s commitment to co-production, person-centred support and the duties set out in the Care Act 2014.

The Big Plan had been shaped through extensive engagement and consultation. Engagement events in 2024 involved over 150 people, followed by formal consultation between February and March 2026, which received 97 responses across online and paper formats. Feedback was broadly supportive of the Plan and its vision, while highlighting the need for clearer communication, more joined-up services, earlier support, greater consistency and a stronger focus on delivery and real-life impact.

The final Plan was structured around seven Big Aims: Where I Live; Staying Healthy; Having a Good Life; Right Care and Support; Keeping Safe; Becoming an Adult; and Support for My Family. These aims focused on improving housing choice, health outcomes, community inclusion, personalised care and support, safety, transition into adulthood and support for families and carers.

Delivery would be overseen by the Learning Disability Partnership Board, with action groups responsible for progressing the agreed priorities and reporting progress quarterly. Further work was required to confirm the delivery arrangements for Right Care and Support and Having a Good Life, including whether dedicated groups were needed or whether actions could be embedded within existing governance structures.

The Committee was asked to approve the Learning Disability Big Plan for publication and delivery, enabling continued co-production with local people, families and partners and supporting a clearer framework for improving outcomes for people with a learning disability across BCP.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

•          The Committee heard that engagement with people with learning disabilities took place through a range of groups, including the Learning Disability Partnership Board, the People First Forum and self-advocacy groups. 

•          The Committee noted that People First Forum was funded by BCP Council and undertook outreach sessions across local communities to encourage participation and engagement. It was highlighted that people could become involved in the Learning Disability Partnership Board directly or engage indirectly through the People First Forum. 

•          The Committee noted that carers were supported through a dedicated Carers Support Worker and carers’ group, with opportunities available for carers to participate in and provide feedback to the Partnership Board. Alternative routes for engagement were available for those who did not wish to join the Board directly, ensuring their views could still be represented. 

•          In response to a query, it was highlighted that housing, social care, advocacy organisations and carers worked together through the “Where I Live” Group to consider housing needs, information provision and access to services for people with learning disabilities. 

•          The Committee heard that strong partnership working helped to ensure information and advice were developed and shared through a range of appropriate channels. 

•          The Committee noted that Housing Services, Children’s Services and Adult Social Care had worked together to develop a Specialist Housing Strategy, which had now been published.

•          The Committee heard that Housing Services were leading work on future accommodation development, while Health and Social Care, working with the “Where I Live” Group, were helping to determine the type of housing and support required. 

RECOMMENDED that the Committee request Cabinet approve the Learning Disability Big Plan for future publication and delivery against the priorities set within.

Voting: Nem. Con.