The Scottish Government published its Programme for Government on 1st September setting out its priorities and planned actions for the next five years.
We are deeply disappointed that the Learning Disabilities, Autism & Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill is not included in the Programme and it has since been confirmed that this legislation will no longer progress. The LDAN Bill was developed following extensive consultation and engagement with autistic people, people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent people, families and organisations across Scotland. Given the amount of time, effort and energy invested by so many people, it is extremely disheartening and de-moralising to see no legislative outcome from that work.
Many people were already sceptical of whether their involvement would deliver real and meaningful change and the Scottish Government will now need to work hard to rebuild trust and demonstrate that the voices of autistic people continue to shape policy and decision making.
We will work constructively with the Scottish Government on the commitments within the Programme, including proposals to improve support for children and young people with additional support needs, reform social care, and review how public services are delivered, this legislation was initially consulted on during the previous parliament, with draft provisions produced ahead of an anticipated introduction in this new session of parliament.
We do recognise that the Programme for Government contains commitments that have the potential to improve outcomes for autistic people and their families. In particular, we welcome the focus on improving support for pupils with additional support needs, regardless of where they are educated, and the commitment to reform social care services. We also welcome the recognition that public services must become more person-led, preventative and responsive to people’s needs.
We note that the Scottish Government intends to consult on the planned reform of social care, and we stand ready to engage constructively with this process. We are concerned that the First Minister has stated that the process will be led by the NHS and we caution Scotland’s politicians not to fall into the trap of assuming social care is an adjunct, or junior partner, of the NHS. It is a sector in its own right which, when properly supported, helps people to live fulfilling and independent lives in their communities.
We also note the major changes which are proposed for Scotland’s NHS and public body landscape and are keen to understand what this will mean for commissioning of services and for the ongoing work to improve neurodevelopmental pathways, areas where clarity and consistency across the country remain vital.
These commitments and reforms could bring significant change. However we remain concerned that the loss of the LDAN Bill, which would have provided strategic direction, mandatory training and, crucially, mechanisms for accountability, leaves a significant gap. Without this clear framework to drive and monitor progress there is a risk that the potential for these reforms to deliver meaningful change for autistic people, people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people will not be realised.
We remain committed to working constructively with government, public bodies and partners across Scotland to improve outcomes for autistic people and their families.
Over the course of this parliamentary session, and as the proposals contained within the Programme for Government are developed over the next five years, we will continue to advocate for the rights of autistic people, hold decision makers to account, and champion policies and reforms that deliver tangible, lasting improvements in people’s everyday lives. We will also continue to ensure that the voices and experiences of autistic people remain at the heart of discussions about the future of public services in Scotland.
