£62 million to help discharge people with learning disabilities or autism into the community

This means people with learning disabilities or autism who could be better supported in their community will have their discharges from hospital accelerated.

The Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has called for a renewed focus to ensure people with learning disabilities or autism are discharged promptly from hospital back into the community.

What does this mean?

• Funding will be given to local councils to accelerate discharge of patients with learning disabilities or autism (or both) from mental health hospitals into the community
• The funding can be spent on costs associated with discharge, including establishing community teams, funding accommodation and staff training
• A new independent oversight panel has been set up to improve care and support for inpatients with learning disabilities or autism

Background information

England will receive £62 million over the 3 years:

• £20 million in 2020 to 2021
• £21 million in 2021 to 2022
• £21 million in 2022 to 2023

Funding will be allocated to a nominated local authority in each Transforming Care Partnership based on forecast need.

Areas with the highest number of autistic people or those with learning disabilities currently in inpatient settings will receive the most funding. However, all local areas will receive a share of the funding.

The funding is to be distributed to local government through payment of grants under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.