Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that adults with complex (a) mental health needs and (b) learning disabilities in supported living settings are adequately safeguarded in Surrey Heath constituency.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to make enquiries about safeguarding concerns under the Care Act 2014.

Everyone with a severe mental health or learning disability who is placed in supported living would have had an assessment under the Care Act 2014. This assessment would identify the person’s needs and would help in identifying the appropriate accommodation and/or support. It also provides the legal basis for safeguarding anyone who is at risk.

The NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) works closely with colleagues at the NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB and Surrey County Council to make sure that the Care Act 2014 is followed and any requirements are carried out.

If a safeguarding concern is flagged, the NHS Frimley ICB or Surrey Heartlands ICB would be involved in safeguarding meetings with the appropriate other services, for instance under a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference or Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.