Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Reports

Lord Bishop of London Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

It bears repeating that it is shocking that people are dying on average up to 20 years earlier. As I have said, that is unacceptable. We work very closely with Mencap and other organisations, but what we are doing already is, for example, to the point that the noble Lord raised, improving identification of people with a learning disability on GP registers. In particular, a reasonable adjustment digital flag is being implemented in care records to make sure that support is appropriately tailored. In other words, if we do not know who people are and where they are, we cannot provide the support. That is an unacceptable reason.

[The Lord Bishop of London]

My Lords—

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

Would my noble friend accept—

--- Later in debate ---

[The Lord Bishop of London]

I thank the noble Lord for giving way.

My Lords, according to the learning disabilities mortality review of adults with a learning disability who died in 2023, 25.6% had a care package that did not meet their needs. We know that local authorities continue to face significant challenges to providing adult social care services. Can the Minister say what action the Government are taking to support local authorities as they respond to more complex needs to make sure that every person, including those with learning disabilities, has the correct care plan?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

As the right reverend Prelate says—or is it the most reverend Primate?