§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Association of Directors of Social Services, and from others, about cuts in personal social services; and what is his assessment of the effect of these cuts on the disabled.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have received a number of representations from local authorities, professional bodies and individuals about the effects of proposed or actual reductions in the personal social services.
Local authorities have had to make some difficult decisions in determining their priorities within available resources. Not all services for disabled people have emerged unscathed, but they could not all be regarded as having equal priority. In some cases the services have remained intact, but local authorities have introduced charges, as they are entitled to do. I am satisfied that local authorities have protected services for the most vulnerable members of society to the extent possible.