Glass Half Empty or Half Full? Response to Stuart Cumella

This response agrees with Stuart Cumella that it is reasonable to challenge the priority accorded by government to people with learning disabilities and to question the power of the mechanisms for implementation of Valuing People. At the same time, however, it argues for a mature political approach, encouraging the taking of opportunities that are available and the shaping of structures and initiatives which are part of the implementation arrangements. Finally, it challenges Cumella's interpretation of person‐centred planning and seeks to offer some clarity on best use of person‐centred approaches.