Cabinet:

1)    Authorised the commencement of a consultation process on the content of the draft All Age Autism Strategy set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

2)    Noted that the results of the consultation will be referred back to Cabinet for determination of the final version of the Strategy in the autumn 2019.

Councillor Jason Frost presented the report to Cabinet, detailing the draft All Age Autism Strategy.  Havering has had an Autism Strategy since 2017, which aligned with the National policy/guidance, with a focus on the needs of the adult community. However, the Government are currently updating the National Autism Strategy and have acknowledged the need to respond to the wider needs of the community, with a focus on prioritising the needs of children and young people as well as adults to produce an All Age Strategy.

Havering has undertaken a number of self-assessment and reviews of current services and needs. A range of positive areas were identified in relation to the provision of services. This also enabled the areas of improvement to be identified, particularly within the context of supporting the wider needs of the community across the age range.

The All Age Strategy has combined the recommendations together with the current known priorities for local people and their families to identify Kay themes.  It contains a high level action plan and makes recommendations for the next steps.  There is some stakeholder engagement but it is recognised that a full consultation with all stakeholders regarding the strategy is needed.

The recommendation is for a 3 month consultation which will begin at the end of May and it acknowledges the vital importance to consult not only with stakeholders but also with the wider community.  This is a strategy that looks at what is important to people with autism and their families.  The consultation will be carried out as widely as possible using a variety of communication and social media as are appropriate.

It is proposed that the strategy will return to Cabinet in the autumn for final sign off and a possible launch to coincide with the new National All-Age Autism Strategy and the 10 year anniversary of passing the Autism Act.

Cabinet:

1)    Authorised the commencement of a consultation process on the content of the draft All Age Autism Strategy set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

2)    Noted that the results of the consultation will be referred back to Cabinet for determination of the final version of the Strategy in the autumn 2019.