§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many specially designed dwellings for the chronically sick and disabled were started and completed by local authorities in each of the years 1978 to 1981; what plans he has to improve provision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungFollowing is the available information: 255W
Dwellings specially designed for the chronically sick and disabled: England local authorities and new towns Specially designed MOBILITY Total Started Completed Started Completed Started Completed 1978 791 627 7,359 3,195 8,150 3,822 1979 576 501 5,950 5,917 6,526 6,418 1980 518 720 5,061 5,683 5,579 6,403 1981 264 488 2,091 4,051 2,355 4,539 Substantial provision is also being made for disabled people by adaptation of existing dwellings in both the public and private sectors. It is for individual local authorities to determine what provision to make in this area in the light of local circumstances. For their part the Government have asked authorities in making decisions on their housing programmes to concentrate the available resources on those in special need such as the disabled or elderly on low incomes. Copies of a speech made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction in October 1981 describing the Government's policies for housing and the disabled, have been circulated to all local authorities. Local authorities throughout England have also had the opportunity to see the recent film made by the Department "Housing for the Disabled" which I hope will lead to a greater awareness of the housing needs of disabled people.