§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their view of the TK project promoted under the community care policy by Gwent Health Commission, which has brought and adapted a house to accommodate a man suffering from chronic unremitting challenging behaviour at an ongoing revenue cost of £170,248 per annum (excluding any provision for recreation or education).
Viscount St. DavidsI understand from Gwent Health Authority that the package of care is for two people, TK and one other, both of whom have severe learning disability and chronic unremitting challenging behaviour. The average cost of £85,124 each provides not only accommodation and support in the home, but also a wide range of activities outside the home which is not available in long-stay hospitals. The costs of caring for a vulnerable individual needing a great deal of support are high whatever the setting. In Llanfrechfa Grange, the local hospital, the cost of such care is currently around £80,000 per individual.
The Welsh Office mental handicap strategy is committed to the principle that individuals with learning disabilities primarily need social, and not health care. The aim is to ensure that individuals move from inappropriate provision in long stay hospitals into more homely settings. The range of facilities could, however, include residential homes, where appropriate.