People with learning disabilities and autism in Scotland remain in institutional settings, violating their human rights, according to a new report from Scotland’s human rights watchdog. The Scottish Human Rights Commission highlights serious gaps in meeting rights standards and a lack of progress under the Scottish Government’s Coming Home Implementation Plan. Launched in 2022, the plan aimed to transition individuals from hospitals to independent living by March 2024 and prevent unnecessary admissions for non-medical reasons.

The report raises concerns over funding misuse. Of the £20 million Community Living Change Fund, over £12.5 million remained unspent in its final year. Some funds were even used to refurbish institutions instead of supporting community-based housing, contradicting the right to independent living and undermining the initiative’s goals.

The Commission urges the Scottish Government to adopt a new strategy ensuring the rights of people with learning disabilities and autism are upheld. It has proposed a framework to guide reforms and insists urgent action is needed to meet legal obligations. Professor Angela O’Hagan, Chair of the Commission, stressed that too many are still placed far from home or left in hospitals due to a lack of alternatives.

To help those affected, the Commission has launched a film and toolkit, co-created by individuals with lived experience, to help them assert their right to independent living. The watchdog pledges to continue pushing for urgent government action.