§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any representations from the East Sussex county council seeking amendment of part III, section 21 1(a) and (b), of the National Assistance Act 1948 which places an obligation on local authorities to provide sheltered accommodation for the elderly within their administrative boundaries; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mrs. CurrieNo. Under section 21(1)(a) of the National Assistance Act 1948 local social services authorities have a general duty to make arrangements for providing residential accommodation for persons who by reason of age, infirmity or other circumstances are in need of care and attention which is not otherwise available to them. These arrangements may include the provision of residential care homes by local authorities. Under section 26 of the 1948 Act authorities may also sponsor residents in voluntary and private homes. Residents do not have to be located within the authority's borders.