§ Mr. William Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that there are adequate places available, with appropriate facilities, for residential cases arising from the implementation of the Social Work (Scotland) Act.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellIt is the duty of local authorities to provide such residential facilities as may be required for their functions under the Social Work (Scotland) Act, either by providing these themselves or by joining with other local authorities or by securing their provision by voluntary organisations or other persons. Due account of this need is taken in the calculation of rate support grant and in giving borrowing consent for local authority building projects. I propose to ask local authorities to draw up proposals for the development of their social work services, including the provision of 355W residential accommodation, so that these can be related to the resources available in a long-term programme.