Agenda item

1.  That the Slough Autism Strategy 2024-29 set out at Appendix 2 to the report be approved.

2.  That it be noted that a report would be brought back to Cabinet annually setting out the progress against the Action Plan and recommending any amendments to the Strategy.

The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities introduced a report that sought approval of the Autism Strategy 2024-29 including the Autism Action Plan.

The aim of the strategy was to ensure that Slough was a place where autistic people lived long and purposeful lives, experienced good health and achieved a desired quality of life. The Strategy sought to minimise the negative impacts of social isolation and loneliness and aimed to prevent or delay crises.  The strategy had been developed following a number of engagement events with autistic adults and the wider community, and with active support of the Co-Production Network and partners.

The Cabinet welcomed this important strategy and particularly commended the high level of engagement with service users in its production.  Lead Members asked about the financial implications and officers responded that this was a high level strategy with no direct financial implications, however, it was anticipated that delivery of the action plan would help deliver cost efficiencies through effective preventative work.

The Cabinet agreed to approve the strategy and to receive an annual update on progress.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Slough Autism Strategy 2024-29 set out at Appendix 2 to the report be approved.

(b)  That it be noted that a report would be brought back to Cabinet annually setting out the progress against the Action Plan and recommending any amendments to the Strategy.