Scottish Government must deliver clear plan after dropping LDAN Bill
Scottish Green MSP Cara McKee has joined cross-party colleagues and eight organisations in signing Joe Long MSP’s letter to Minister Maree Todd, following the Scottish Government’s decision to drop the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.
The letter comes ahead of the Minister’s statement on Tuesday 6th October, calling for commitments on mandatory public-sector training, independent advocacy and access to assessment and support, alongside clarity on how the recently announced £7.6 million will be spent and whether funding will be sustained.
The Greens have previously written to the Scottish Government’s Minister seeking answers on how improvements will be measured and continue to support a full LDAN Bill.
Scottish Green MSP Cara McKee said:
“People with learning disabilities, autistic people, and other neurodivergent people have spent years explaining the barriers they face and helping to shape this legislation, and they deserve clear answers about what happens next.
“These are people who have shared deeply personal experiences of being let down, giving their time and energy in the hope that things would finally change. They are the very people who need these services, and who live with the consequences when support fails.
“Today’s statement must set out what ministers will deliver, when people will see improvements, and how those changes will be funded for the long term.
“That must include mandatory training shaped by lived experience across public services, accessible communication, and independent advocacy to help people understand and exercise their rights.
“We also need action on access to assessment and support. People are repeatedly told they do not need a diagnosis to receive help, yet too many still find that support is unavailable in practice. The £7.6 million announced must come with a clear explanation of how it will be used and a commitment to sustained investment.
“Whilst a full LDAN Bill is still needed to provide a comprehensive national plan and a whole-system approach to confronting the inequalities and injustices that exist, urgent improvements can happen alongside legislation that puts change on a statutory footing and ensures public services are accountable.
“Above all, the people who put their time, energy, and trust into developing this Bill must have a meaningful say in what follows - their voices and rights cannot be lost.”