§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposals the Government have to ensure the availability of local accommodation for battered wives and their children.
§ Mr. MeacherThe Select Committee on Violence in Marriage recently made recommendations on this and other
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CHILDREN ACT 1975 (a) (b) (c) (d) Some sections are already in force and many more are expected to be brought into operation in 1976–77; but other sections cannot be implemented until local authorities can make available the necessary financial and human resources. Savings are difficult to quantify but could be about £5 million a year in respect of Part I of the Act. The Local Authority Associations have estimated that full implementation could require 850–1,000 more social workers. The prospects for 1977–78 will be reviewed next summer. EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN ACT 1973 (a) (b) (c) (d) Additional NHS and local authority staff would be required but are not available. Savings would depend on reply to (c). Staff required would vary according to detailed Regulations to be made under the Act. Under discussion. aspects of the problem and we hope to be able to make a statement on the Government's response to the Select Committee's Report in the near future. Accommodation provided by local authorities for battered wives, as for others homeless or in need, is of course eligible for housing or hostel subsidy, and voluntary groups may be eligible for housing association grant.