§ Dr. Gilbertasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it costs £445 per week to keep a juvenile in Glenthorne youth treatment centre, Birmingham; why this charge has doubled since last year; and if he will investigate the matter and make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungGlenthorne youth treatment centre provides long term secure care for highly disturbed, difficult and dangerous children whose needs cannot be met elsewhere. The cost of the skilled staff and of maintaining the specialised accommodation is bound to be high, and the full cost of a place is about £650 a week. Up to April 1980, the charges were subsidised directly in the same proportion as rate support grant, and fees paid by local authorities were, therefore, not taken into account for grant. As from April 1981, the full cost will be charged, but such payments will become relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes. The Government will, therefore, be meeting the same proportion of the full cost as before. During 1980–81 a transitional arrangement involving a charge of £445 per week and an adjustment to rate support grant is in operation.