§ 21. Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement concerning the proposals outlined by the Minister of State on 20th June to offer direct grants to local authorities for the provision of secure accommodation for juveniles.
§ Dr. OwenThere were 155 secure places in approved schools and remand homes when the community home system was introduced in April 1973 and 38 additional places have been completed since. The regional plans, as amended, estimate that a further 480 places are needed. A secure unit serves the needs of a wide area. Costs are ultimately shared between user authorities, but at present the very high initial costs have to be borne by a single authority. It is because authorities are increasingly reluctant to do this that we are proposing to introduce a system of grants.