Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has welcomed the Down Syndrome Bill passing both Houses of Parliament and becoming law.
The landmark legislation is due to receive Royal Assent in the next few days and Mrs Marson supported the Bill through the House of Commons.
Her colleague Liam Fox introduced it as a Private Member’s Bill, but it then gained government and cross-party support.
“I am delighted this world-first legislation will now become law,” said Mrs Marson.
“As I have said before, many people with Down Syndrome live active, rewarding and very independent lives but there is also an acknowledgement they face significant hurdles accessing services and support.
“The act and the developing guidance over the next year or two will address these issues and lead to better support for people with Down Syndrome in the future.
“Thanks should go to Liam Fox and the National Down Syndrome Policy Group for their tireless work in ensuring this excellent piece of legislation has reached the statute book.”
The Act will place a duty on English local authorities to assess the likely social care needs of persons with Down syndrome and plan provision to help support them.
It will require the Secretary of State to publish guidance to public bodies to ensure that they are clear on how they should meet the needs of people with Down Syndrome.
Best practice across health, education, social care and housing will be set out giving practical advice on how the appropriate steps can be taken to meet the needs of those with Down Syndrome when planning, designing and delivering services.
Once Royal Assent is granted, there will be a public consultation undertaken to inform development of the necessary guidance around the Down Syndrome Act and that it is fit for purpose.
It is expected that necessary guidance around the law will be developed within a year after the passing of the Act.