We have been left deeply disheartened by the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.

In 2021, the Scottish Government committed to delivering meaningful change through this legislation. The Bill represented an important opportunity to protect rights, strengthen accountability and improve outcomes and experiences across health, education, employment and wider public services for autistic people, neurodivergent people and people with a learning disability. Over five years, hundreds of people engaged with the development process in good faith. Individuals, families, self-advocates and organisations shared their experiences, expertise and aspirations for change, often revisiting difficult and traumatic experiences because they believed their voices would help shape a better future.

As a result, the decision not to progress the Bill has understandably led to frustration and concern across the communities we represent. Many people are questioning how the change that was envisaged through the Bill will now be delivered.

The ten-year Scottish Strategy for Autism and The Keys for Life Learning Disability Strategy both concluded in 2021. There is currently an absence of strategic direction across these policy areas and the challenges faced by autistic people, neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities remain urgent and significant.

Too many people continue to wait too long for the support they need. Too many children and young people face barriers to accessing education. Too many individuals remain in inappropriate settings rather than being supported to live full and connected lives in their communities. Too many people continue to encounter significant challenges in accessing the services and support on which they rely and to which they should be entitled. Too many people continue to die prematurely of preventable and avoidable conditions.

These issues cannot wait to be addressed.

Our communities and our organisations have contributed their time, expertise and lived experience because they want to be part of creating solutions. We stand ready to work in partnership to ensure that this opportunity for change is not lost and that tangible progress is made on the issues that matter most to people’s lives.

We now look to the First Minister and the Scottish Government to provide clear leadership and set out how they will deliver the change that autistic people, neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities have been calling for over many years.