HC Deb 21 December 1999 vol 341 cc507-8W
22. Dr. Palmer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the standards of local authority social care. [102283]

23. Mr. Gareth R. Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the standards of local authority social care. [102285]

Mr. Hutton

We are taking a range of measures to drive up standards in social services. There will be a new independent regulation system for care homes, children's homes and other care services, including those directly provided by local authorities, based on national standards. The Fair Access to Care initiative will require local authorities to apply eligibility criteria consistently around the country. Our proposed Quality Strategy for Social Services will help raise local standards.

The implementation of these initiatives will be monitored closely. For the first time there is a comprehensive performance assessment system for social services, built around the Best Value regime.

Mr. Hope

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his guidance on the standards of local authority social care. [102299]

Mr. Hutton

On 8 September the Department issued the consultation document, "Fit for the Future?—National Required Standards for Residential and Nursing Homes for Older People", which sets out proposals to promote better quality care and help to prevent abuse by grounding practice on the principles of dignity, choice, privacy and respect. They will guarantee residents access to an effective complaints procedure. The standards will also ensure that residents are cared for by trustworthy and reliable staff who are properly trained for this difficult and sensitive job.

"Fit for the Future?" contains over 250 proposed national standards and we look forward to receiving comments on the whole range of proposals. We will carefully consider all the comments we receive before finalising the standards and the timetable for implementing them. The standards will apply to all provision whether private, voluntary or statutory.