§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that savings achieved in the National Health Service as a result of the increasing emphasis on community-based care for the old, mentally handicapped and mentally ill are clearly identified and the moneys thus saved in the hospital services are switched to the authorities who have responsibility for the provision of community-based care.
§ Sir George YoungThe Department's policy is to continue to encourage a switch from institutional to community-based services for the groups mentioned. This involves some channelling of resources within the NHS from in-patient to community health services, while at the same time continuing to improve the quality of service for those who will still require hospital care. The policy also has implications for social services authorities' priorities and resources. Social services authorities' resources may, in appropriate circumstances, be supplemented by joint finance, and we will be gradually increasing the amounts allocated for this purpose in the next few years.