§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines his Department has issued to health authorities with regard to remedying the problems of community care in cases where the transition from institutions to the community is costing more than anticipated.
§ Mr. GristOur strategic planning guidance requires health authorities to develop services flexibly so as to ensure that they meet identified needs appropriately and cost-effectively. Additional Welsh Office funding under the all-Wales mental handicap strategy is based on approved county plans which set out the costs of proposals and the sources for meeting them. These plans are subject to annual review and are amended as necessary. We propose similar arrangements in our consultation document on the development of services for those suffering from mental illness.