§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action is currently undertaken by his Department to ensure that local authorities fulfil obligations outlined in section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesWe expect local authorities to be well aware of their statutory duties under section 2(1) of the 1970 Act, to provide a range of services for disabled people, where they accept that there is an assessed need. Each case is assessed on its own merits and the decision as to the kind of assistance to be provided is for the local authority to make, being best placed to judge an individual's needs. The Department receives annual returns and, as appropriate, follows up specific cases referred to the Department, where it is alleged that a local authority is in breach of its statutory duties.