This carer says the subcommittee made it clear that officials were warned a decade ago but did very little, apart from underfunding services, and this has led to real harm.

They argue that councils and health bodies – like Norfolk County Council and the ICB – must not redesign learning disability or autism services without properly involving people with disabilities, people with lived experience, and family members such as siblings and parents.

These people should help make decisions, not just be invited to share sad stories.

They call for real representation, not tokenism, and suggest a “30, 30, 30” mix to ensure balance.
They also say meetings need to be run properly: with clear agendas, written minutes, named people responsible for each action, deadlines, and real consequences if things aren’t done.

Without ownership and accountability, they say, nothing actually changes. This is a call for proper coproduction.