§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people responded to the consultation on national care standards; how many welcomed the introduction of new standards; and how many did so subject to the provision of adequate resources. [41273]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 7 March 2002]: The number of responses to the various consultations on national minimum standards was as follows:
- Care homes for older people: 1,250
- Care homes for younger adults: 500
- Children's homes: 227
- Fostering services: 68
- Boarding schools and FE colleges: 141.
The overwhelming majority of respondents welcomed the introduction of new standards. This included the majority of providers even though they also highlighted the resource implications.