HC Deb 28 March 1991 vol 188 cc551-2W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given to local authorities as to the amount of direct provision of residential care for the elderly they should retain in order to meet their obligations under the National Assistance Act 1948.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The policy guidance "Community Care in the Next Decade and Beyond", issued to local authorities in November, made it clear that direct provision of services by local authorities is expected to continue to play an important part in the new mixed economy of care. It also stated that authorities should introduce changes in their service provision at a pace appropriate to their organisation and plans. The extent of direct provision of services is for local authorities to determine having regard to local factors.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has undertaken into the comparative life expectancy of elderly persons in residential establishments as against those living independently in the community.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 15 March at column707. The Department has not undertaken research bearing directly on this subject.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives to local authorities in respect of the placement of(a) elderly persons who have been assessed as financially able to pay the full costs of care provided and (b) persons eligible for social security benefits, as between part III accommodation and care home trusts or private homes.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Decisions about residential placements should follow assessment of the individual's needs and consideration of the range of residential care available, not the financial resources of the individual. As explained in the White Paper "Caring for People", individuals should be able to exercise the maximum possible choice about the home they enter. They should be able to look for a place in a more expensive home if they or their relatives and friends wish and are able to make a contribution towards the cost of care. Social services authorities will be expected to make maximum possible use of independent providers when arranging placements.