§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all aids, appliances and adaptations for disabled persons which are obtainable from local authorities free of charge, and those for which charges are made.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisAs my hon. Friend will be aware, it is at the discretion of the local social services authority whether to make a charge for any such items provided under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. Information is not collected centrally about individual charging practices.
Equipment for education purposes is provided by the local education authority and is normally free of charge.
Housing authorities may give grants towards the costs of adaptations to private sector housing. They may also adapt their own dwellings or provide new accommodation to meet the needs of disabled people. Government subsidy is available towards the loan charges that arise, but it is for authorities to determine how the remaining costs are met.