§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any further plans to help the elderly in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Government's policies on services for the elderly are set out in the White Paper "Growing Older" published in March 1981 (Cmnd. 8173). These policies are directed at enabling elderly people to lead as full and independent lives in the community as they can. The Government have made plain to the authorities responsible for services to the elderly their view that these services should be afforded priority. The level of resources made available for the health and personal social services takes fully into account the demographic pressures.
Furthermore, following extensive consultation, the Government are taking steps to remove as quickly as possible obstacles to the development of community care. These steps include more generous extended terms for joint finance projects which will enable people to move from hospital to more appropriate community care and new power for the district health authorities to guarantee continuing payments to local authorities, voluntary organisations and other bodies, including those responsible for the provision of housing.
As my right hon. Friend told the Welsh Grand Committee on Wednesday 24 November, we intend next year to make a record level of new joint finance allocations. In making these—as in all else—we shall have firmly in mind the needs of elderly people.