HC Deb 23 November 1977 vol 939 cc1499-500
2. Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities concerning the creation of a satisfactory housing policy for mentally handicapped people; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

The Consultative Document on Housing Policy which we issued in June indicates a number of ways in which local housing authorities, housing associations and new towns working with social services departments can help many mentally handicapped people to live reasonably independent lives in the community. I take suitable opportunities to encourage them to help in this way, and will keep under review the need to issue more detailed advice.

Mr. Carter-Jones

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that a substantial number of mentally handicapped youngsters are in hospitals when they ought not to be there? Does he accept that they are technically homeless, and will he look at the Swedish group house experiment for these people?

Mr. Freeson

I shall certainly examine the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers. If he will send me preliminary information I shall examine it. Generally, I accept the principle that he has put forward, namely, that we need to provide more housing of this kind and pay particular attention—I do not think sufficient attention has been paid in the past—to the needs of the chronically sick, within whom I include this particular group of persons. That would enable youngsters and, indeed, other people who would otherwise have to stay in hospital for long stretches at a time to come into their own homes while still under the guidance and care of the hospital services.

Mr. Charles Irving

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider giving firm instructions to housing associations, which are playing an increasingly important part in the development of housing, that they should include units for the disabled and the mentally handicapped in most of their schemes? Perhaps the Minister would be willing to issue firm instructions to the Housing Corporation.

Mr. Freeson

I do not think that it is a question of having to issue firm instructions. Many housing associations have taken initiatives over recent years and, indeed, earlier in this area. They have been notable initiatives, and I have seen some of them for myself.

If, however, there is a need to expand on this, I shall be glad to consult the Housing Corporation and housing association representatives through the National Federation on such matters.

Mr. Alison

The right hon. Gentleman has talked about the needs of the chronically sick. Do those needs receive specific consideration in the needs formula or the needs element of the rate support grant?

Mr. Freeson

That is an entirely different question, which does not arise under housing expenditure. It is treated only in a very residual respect quite separately for subsidy and grant-aided purposes.