HC Deb 27 January 1983 vol 35 c507W
Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the time scale for the reduction of occupancy at the Camberwell resettlement unit.

Mr. Newton

Arrangements in progress will reduce the bed capacity from 550 to 300 by September 1983. Further reductions during 1984 and 1985 will lead to the closure of the unit in September 1985.

Mr. John

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many beds have been offered by housing associations and voluntary bodies to replace those provided by the Camberwell resettlement unit; how many beds have been specifically offered for high dependency cases and by how many voluntary bodies; and if he is satisfied that a sufficient number of appropriate places will be available by the time that the Camberwell unit is closed.

Mr. Newton

Under the timetable for the Camberwell replacement scheme applications were invited for projects catering for low to medium dependency residents during the financial years 1981–82 and 1982–83; applications for high dependency schemes were invited for 1983–84. To date 239 places have been offered by housing associations working in partnership with caring agencies: two agencies have already offered 16 places for residents needing a high degree of care. Officials from the Department and the Department of the Environment are discussing with the London boroughs arrangements for direct access bedspaces including some provision by local authorities. This encouraging rate of progress should ensure that a sufficient number of places will be available to replace the services currently provided at Camberwell when the resettlement unit closes in 1985.