§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what statutory authority a local authority which has signed a contract to provide a service to a handicapped person under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 is entitled unilaterally to amend that contract by increasing the proportion of the cost to be recovered from that person; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am advised that services provided by a local authority under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 are provided not under a contract but in pursuance of a statutory duty. It is for local authorities to decide in accordance with their statutory powers whether to impose a charge for the services provided.