Councils have been awarded £62m to help accelerate the discharge of people with learning disabilities and/or autism from mental health hospitals.

The Community Discharge Fund will help move people into more appropriate care settings or into their community by paying for community teams, accommodation and staff training.

An independent Oversight Panel has also been set up improve the care of people with a learning disability and/or autism who were identified as being in long-term segregation.

Care minister, Helen Whately, said: ‘People with a learning disability and autistic people should have the best possible care, and I am determined to put an end to the health inequalities they too often face.'

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, vice chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘This funding will be helpful for councils in ensuring the discharge process is speeded up and safe, while following the person throughout their treatment.’