HC Deb 19 July 1977 vol 935 cc440-1W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many social work staff in social services' departments are currently employed at grades above that of senior social worker; and what proportion of the total social work staff this represents.

Mr. Deakins

At 30th September 1975 —the latest date for which information is available—there were 2,801—whole-time equivalents—senior directing, managing, professional and advisory staff in post in social services departments in England and 20,400 headquarters, area office and field social work staff in grades up to and including that of senior social worker. The first figure represents about 12 per cent. of the total.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the degree of accountability of local authority social services departments, bearing in mind their increased legal powers due to new legislation such as the Children Act 1975.

Mr. Ennals

Social services departments, like other local authority departments, are accountable to their councils and through them to the local electorate. Local authorities have the statutory responsibility for the provision of personal social services and they are not formally accountable to me. They do, however, exercise their functions under my general guidance. which I issue as necessary.