§ Mr. Charles Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average capital cost of a secure place in a community home.
§ Sir George YoungApproximately £26,000 at current prices.
§ Mr. Charles Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average cost, or the range of costs, of keeping a child in a secure place for a year.
§ Sir George YoungThe costs to local authorities of providing secure accommodation are not recorded centrally. Some of the rates charged represent the full cost; others are the average cost of residential places in the home as a whole, the local authority or the region. I am aware of annual charges ranging from £14,100 to £33,800.
§ Mr. Charles Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many secure places for juveniles are in existence in England and Wales; and how many further places are planned or under construction.
§ Sir George YoungThere are 494 secure places for juveniles and a further 155 are under construction. Since May 1979, my right hon. Friend has approved three new applications from local authorities for secure units, of which only one, involving two places, has been taken forward to tender, and has approved the withdrawal from use of 32 secure places.