Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act

HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc140-1W

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that all local housing authorities are implementing the provisions of Section 3 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Welsh Office Circular 85/70 drew the attention of all housing authorities in Wales to their responsibilities under Section 3 of the Act. Many authorities have been active in providing housing suitable for the disabled in their area, but I should welcome an even stronger response. In conjunction with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, I propose shortly to issue another circular to housing authorities emphasising the importance which the Government attach to this service and giving further advice on the principal ways in which the housing needs of the disabled can be met.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the comparative progress made by local authorities in Wales in implementing the provisions of Sections 1 and 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.

Mr. Peter Thomas

As required by Section 1(1) of the Act local authorities are informing themselves in a variety of ways of the numbers and needs of substantially and permanently handicapped people in their areas. They have also taken action to publicise the services provided for those in need in accordance with Section 1(2).

The number of names included on local authorities' registers provides some indication of the progress being made in identifying those in need of assistance. On 31 March 1973 the figure in Wales was 23,368. This represents an increase of 38 per cent. over the number registered on 31 December 1970 and an increase of 18 per cent. over the number registered on 31 March 1972. As soon as possible I shall issue further guidance to local authorities about registration procedures.

As regards the implementation of Section 2, I am satisfied that within the limits of their resources authorities are making reasonable progress. Recent returns from authorities indicate that for the year ended 31 March 1973 assistance under Section 2 was provided in 9,330 households in Wales.