@rosie4westlancs I really understand why you are asking about the new 40 bed unit so here are some thoughts.
Autistic and learning disabled people are often driven to crime because they have been systemically failed. As a result, they may in rare cases commit serious crimes 1/

For example, they may have been abused themselves and/or let down by services that fail to help them or provide the right support when they need it. They may be groomed or the subjects of mate crime. 2/

Their reaction can be to replicate the crime that has been inflicted on them or lash out in desperation.

So @normanlamb was right by saying that people are punished twice if we then lock them up for this. 3/

If, however, we say that a small group of people do need to be in some kind of restricted setting due to the seriousness of their crimes, then it should not be in a 40 bed unit which is just another example of a failed model that will do nothing to help rehabilitate people. 4/

Environment is key for this group of people and the Mental Health Act Code of Practice reflects that. Currently people are even at risk of being criminalised when they are inpatients precisely because of this.

I am sure @RESPOND_UK and @noelleblackman1 could tell you more. 5/5