Independent Commission on Adult Social Care

Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest Excerpts

Wednesday 17th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend raises an important point, and I just highlight my personal experience of working with the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, which goes back over a couple of decades to when she first started the work on introducing ASBOs—I am sure that everyone will remember that—and then went on to troubled families. She has a very strong and clear understanding of the local government sector, and it will be fundamental, I am sure, given the importance of the sector in this whole area, that this engagement is profound. Of course, it is absolutely critical that we allow her to move forward with that important piece of work, but I am very sure—as I am sure that all noble Lords are—that the LGA will make its voice very loudly heard and make sure that its view are fed in on behalf of the people it represents.

[Baroness Monckton of Dallington Forest (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as set out in the register as chair of Team Domenica. Many people with learning disabilities can live in supported living, but the more vulnerable need intentional communities, which parents across the country tell me that the CQC is trying to close down. Does the Minister agree that choice of where to live is just as important for people with learning disabilities as it is for the rest of the population?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I agree, and I would broaden that out to the whole emphasis on housing generally. Housing is a critical factor in the ability to thrive, to live independently and to move forward, but it is also about place and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to live near their supporters around them. This is a huge area of work. I hope that our commitment to improving housing in this country is known and understood, and this is a very important element of that.