Daniel Zeichner MP is an Officer holder of the APPG on ME (Secretary).
Minutes of last meeting:
7 September 2016
https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/sept-2016-appg-agm-minutes.pdf
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3. Social care inquiry
Countess of Mar shared her concerns that MPs need to consider all the evidence about the current state of affairs before agreeing recommendations as per previous inquiries. She felt that decisions could not be made at the APPG meeting. Sonya Chowdhury agreed and identified that Daniel Zeichner MP, as Inquiry Chair, would lead these discussions with APPG members to ensure consideration of a draft report (which would include an Executive Summary), submitted evidence, evidence from the Roundtable discussion and the recommendations; consultation with charity colleagues who participate in APPG meetings would contribute to these discussions.
Sonya suggested that she and Countess of Mar have a discussion with Daniel on the process of the inquiry and agreed to convene this meeting in October.
Charles Shephard said that it is important that the Inquiry and its recommendations have maximum impact.
Cath Ross emphasised that it is necessary to communicate to MPs the reality of the situation that people with M.E. find themselves in. For example, people being refused care. While much-needed research is going to take time, measures to address such experiences as these can have a much more immediate impact on the lives of people with M.E.
Sonya highlighted that the terms of reference for the inquiry had already been approved, which Sir Peter Bottomley had been involved in. In terms of inputting into the report, there are examples readily available of people being refused care, and who do not have access to services. What is required as an output from the inquiry to address the neglect that people with M.E. experience is one or two ambitious policy goals alongside some quick wins.
Catherine Hale stated that the Close to Collapse report focussed on the experience of people with M.E. in relation to their access to social care and gave a good representation of the current state of affairs. More case studies could be included in this final report, if required, in order to inform and ground the recommendations.
Cath Ross suggested that legal advice could be sought on the duty of the local authority, and this aspect could be incorporated into the recommendations if appropriate.
Actions: Daniel Zeichner MP, Countess of Mar and Sonya Chowdhury will convene to discuss the process of the inquiry.