§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy as regards the provision of purpose-built units for non-geriatric, mentally normal, physically disabled people who need accommodation with some care, but who cannot properly be regarded as chronic sick; and how much such accommodation exists at present in the West Midlands.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisMy policy is that, as far as possible, younger disabled people should live in their own homes, whether adapted or purpose-built. This is why my Department is giving priority to the development of community and domiciliary health and social services, such as the care attendant schemes, which originated in the Midlands, and to cash benefits, which are so important to this group of physically disabled people.
The disabled who require residential accommodation have a wide variety of needs and a correspondingly wide range of provision should be available. This will include accommodation in hospital units for the younger disabled, local authority homes and homes provided by voluntary and private organisations, either on a more or less permanent basis or to provide temporary care. This accommodation may either be purpose-built or have been adapted to provide a suitable environment.
917WIn the West Midlands, there are at present six hospital units for the younger disabled providing 215 staffed beds, 26 of which are in one purpose-built unit. Local authorities are currently providing eight homes hostels with 256 places; and 17 private and voluntary homes provide an additional 500 places. There is no information about the number of local authority and private and voluntary establishments which are purpose-built.