PEOPLE with learning disabilities are to be given more of a say in the way services are provided to them.

A new Learning Disability Partnership Board is to oversee the way services are provided in Bury, and will include members of major agencies and interest groups.

The project is supported by Bury People First, an organisation led by people with learning disabilities themselves.

Funding for services from Bury Council and Bury and Rochdale Heath Authority will be combined into a new new pooled budget, which the board will oversee.

The move means that the council will no longer have sole control over money it has to spend on people with learning difficulties. In return, it will get a say on how health care is provided to them.

Members of the council's executive committee agreed to implement the plan last Wednesday.

The aim is to provide a more strategic integrated approach between different organisations, as recommended in a Government White paper "Valuing People".

A key role of the board will also be as a watchdog, safeguarding the level of service given to individuals from all agencies.

Council leader John Byrne said: "I think the main thrust of this is that we have joined up local services for people who are often at the bottom of the social ladder and who are socially excluded."