A SURVEY into provision for young people with learning disabilities has found serious flaws.

After recognising that the demand for services was outstripping its capacity, Middlesbrough Borough Council asked The Shaftesbury Society to undertake a review.

Its report, entitled Future Services for Disabled Children and Young Adults in Middlesbrough, will be presented to the social services cabinet today.

Following consultation with service users, parents, carers and social and health agencies, it identifies key areas of dissatisfaction.

The society's report states that there is not enough choice, flexibility or diversity of services.

It also considers that there should be more activities and outings, that short break and day care services are too short and do not fit in with working hours, and that there are gaps in specialist provision - notably, for autistic youngsters.

The report finds that not enough information is provided on entitlements to services, and that parents are frustrated by the lack of access to mainstream activities for their children.

A report to the cabinet states: "The report concludes that fundamental and far-reaching change will be required if we are to achieve anything other than short-term piecemeal or sticking plaster solutions."

It outlines a number of options for change, and recommends that an integrated health and social care service be developed.

The report to councillors says: "The creation of such an integrated service would address and overcome many of the organisational barriers which cause frustration for users and carers, maximise investment, reduce duplication and deliver a truly seamless service."