Council to Improve Service Provision for People with Learning Disabilities

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jun 2006

In a drive to ensure that people with learning disabilities have access to the same life chances as all other adults in the community, Milton Keynes Council's Liberal democrat cabinet has agreed to improve the level of provision for supported living services, particularly for those people on the autistic spectrum.

Improved local provision will mean that some individuals who are currently living in residential homes outside of Milton Keynes would be able to return to their local area.

Supported living helps people with learning disabilities to become independent and to take control of their lives. Traditional models of residential and nursing care tend to discourage independence and create dependency.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Irene Henderson, cabinet member responsible for social care, housing and health said: "The Council is committed to promoting independence for people with learning disabilities and developing supported living on a greater scale.

"However, any changes will be subject to the wishes and aspirations of people with learning disabilities and their families."