§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue new guidance to local authorities on charging for social services. [7436]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Government has no immediate plans to issue guidance. This is a complex matter where there are considerable concerns about how satisfactory the current framework is. We are actively reviewing this area.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) planned into the charging policies of local authority social services departments; and if he will publish the research. [7437]
§ Mr. BoatengNo specific research on social services charging policies has been commissioned by the Department of Health, nor is any planned, although some evaluative research on the community care reforms touches on charging issues. The Department is aware of recent research on social services charging policies such as that published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and has given this due consideration. The Department receives regular feedback on social services charging practices around the country, through local authority statistical returns and the Social Services Inspectorate.