§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the financial arrangements for handicapped people in residential care who wish to go out to work and earn a living; if he has yet received the report of the joint working party on local authority charges; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. PrenticeI have seen the report of the joint working party on local authority fees and charges, which was submitted to the Consultative Council on Local Government Finance. The report noted a number of anomalies and difficulties arising from personal social services charging policies, including possible disincentives for those in residential accommodation wishing to go out to work. These problems are being considered by my Department in conjunction with the local authority associations.