§ Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the report on house adaptations for disabled people to be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyThe report "Organising house adaptations for disabled people" is published by HMSO today. This is the report of an inquiry commissioned from social and community planning research by my Department, the Department of Health and Social Security, and the Welsh Office.
The Government welcome the report. We are encouraged by the evidence it presents of widespread cooperation between housing and social services authorities in response to the recommendations in the joint circular "Adaptation of Housing for People who are Physically Handicapped" (DOE 59/78; DHSS LAC(78)14; WO 104/78). The Government is particularly pleased that many housing authorities, using improvement grant powers, have taken positive initiatives to help disabled people with house adaptations as is shown by the fact that the number of grants being paid for improvements and adaptations for the disabled are now running at four times the level of 1978–79.
Nevertheless the findings of the report show that among local authorities there is a great deal of variability on procedures, and that there is scope for improvement. We 174W hope that all those responsible for house adaptations for the disabled will study this report carefully, will be reviewing their own procedures in the light of its findings and recommendations, and will be looking for ways of improving the service available to disabled people in their area.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Library, and copies will be sent to all local authorities.