§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now issue guidance to local authorities regarding the provisions of section 78(1)(b) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 as they relate to the liability for rent of unemployed 16-year-olds in care.
§ Mr. YoungerI do not consider such guidance necessary. Under these provisions contributions are payable at the discretion of local authorities by children over 16 years of age who are in care or under a supervision requirement only if they are in remunerative employment.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many 16-year-olds who are not engaged in remunerative employment are presently in residential care under part 2 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 in each of the local authority areas in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerThis information is not available centrally.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of any local authority charging rent for residential accommodation afforded to 16-year-olds in care who are not engaged in remunerative full-time work.
§ Mr. YoungerNo such cases have been brought to my attention.