Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department collects data on the number of adults with learning disabilities placed outside their local area by local authorities.

The Department does not collect data specifically on the number of adults with learning disabilities who are placed outside their local authority area. However, national statistics on adults with learning disabilities receiving long-term support are published annually in the Adult Social Care Activity Report.

Where out-of-area placements are made, local authorities have a duty under the Care Act 2014 to ensure that, among other things, decisions are based on a consideration of each individual's needs and preferences.