HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc504-5W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given to local authorities concerning charges for residential care.

Mr. Moyle

The principle guidance issued by my Department to local authorities on charges for residential accommodation provided under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948 is contained in Circulars 87/48 and 23/66, LASS letter (75)21 and local authority circular (76)24.

Charges for residential accommodation for the mentally disordered provided under Section 12 of the Health Service and Public Health Act 1968 are at the discretion of the local authority, having regard to residents' means. Guidance was issued in circulars 9/59 and 14/60 following the implementation of the Mental Health Act 1959.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the capital disregards for people in residential care are adequate to allow them to save for a house and furniture if they wish to become independent; and if he will make a statement;

(2) on what grounds it was decided in 1948 that it was appropriate for the same assessment scales to apply for national assistance and for charges for residential care; if this remains appropriate; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

As my hon. Friend will know from the Green Paper on local government finance (Cmnd. 6813), the Government have accepted the Layfield Committee's proposal for a joint review of central and local government policies towards charging for local services. The scope, composition and terms of reference for such a review are to be discussed with the local authority associations. Charges for residential accommodation will be covered.