People with Learning Disabilities: Acute Illness

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Excerpts

Monday 20th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

There are financial sanctions for providers that could be brought into play. On accountability, delivery is monitored through NHS governance and assurance processes. This includes the NHS operating framework, annual assessment of ICB performance, regional oversight and review of local delivery plans.

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My Lords, the tragedy is that Lord Rix many years ago pointed out the same problems and no progress has been made. My noble friend is putting faith in ICBs, but she knows that their resources will be reduced in terms of headcount. Going back to the question by the noble Lord, Lord Harper, does she not think that accountability needs to be placed with NHS trusts? They need to be required to establish specialist teams, which we know lead to better outcomes, and have a response in relation to communications. Should we not be putting responsibility where it actually lies, rather than relying on ICBs to commission this?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I have to vary a bit on that point from my noble friend, who I know brings a tremendous interest to this area. It is right that local services are locally provided, but I do not accept the analysis that this is handing it over to an unaccountable local provision. I outlined to the noble Lord, Lord Harper, the specifics of accountability. All the actions that are identified in the inquiry’s report will make major progress. I assure my noble friend that we will keep this continually under review. I am sure that there are always improvements that we can make, and we are committed to doing so.