§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will, following the recent comments made by the Director of the Spastics Society on it having to close its waiting lists for residential care because of inadequate community care for severely physically handicapped in the community, increase financial assistance to local authorities to augment the availability of such care; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonDuring my visit to the Spastics Society on 16 May the society raised the difficulties it was having in providing residential accommodation in its homes for all disabled people who wanted it. I understand that the society has not closed its waiting list but is concerned that resources be made available to provide for all those who require care in the community. I pointed out that the Government had launched the care in the community initiative with assistance from central funding to encourage the move into the community, and had improved and increased joint finance to £100 million for this year. It was, however, for health and local authorities to ensure that proper provision was made for all those needing services in the community.