A NEW bill that will make it easier for people with Down syndrome and their families to secure the services they need has been welcomed by Line of Duty actor Tommy Jessop and Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond.
The Down Syndrome Bill has passed both Houses of Parliament and become law. It is due to receive Royal Assent in the next few days.
The act will place a duty on English local authorities to assess the likely social care needs of persons with Down syndrome and plan provision to help support them.
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Mrs Drummond co-sponsored the landmark legislation after her colleague Liam Fox introduced it as a private member’s bill, and it then gained government and cross-party support.
Mrs Drummond said: “I am really pleased this world-leading piece of legislation is about to become law because I believe it will make a huge difference to people with Down Syndrome and their families.
“For too long it has been a struggle for those with this condition to get the right access to help and assistance.
“Of course, many live active, rewarding and very independent lives but historically there have been hurdles around that access.
“I was very happy to co-sponsor the bill and I would like to thank Liam Fox and the National Down Syndrome Policy Group for their work on this.”
The act will require the Secretary of State to publish guidance to public bodies to ensure that they are clear on how they should meet the needs of people with Down syndrome.
Best practice across health, education, social care and housing will be set out giving practical advice on how the appropriate steps can be taken to meet the needs of those with down syndrome when planning, designing and delivering services.
Once Royal Assent is granted, there will be a public consultation undertaken to inform development of the necessary guidance around the Down Syndrome Act and that it is fit for purpose.
It is expected that necessary guidance around the law will be developed within a year after the passing of the act.
Among the celebrities backing the bill is Line of Duty actor Tommy, who is from Winchester.
Mr Jessop, an ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Policy Group composed of charities and support bodies, said on his social media account: "At long last everyone living with #DownSyndrome will get better opportunities in life. At long last we will be able to show people our lives truly are worth living. Hooray!"
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