Community Care (Hansard, 11 May 1989)

§ Mr. Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if there exists in Scotland bridging finance and transfer funds similar to that available to local and health authorities in England and Wales to tide them over the period when community facilities for the handicapped are being developed but institutions cannot be closed.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
Within their allocations, health boards may make lump sum or continuing payments to a 493W local authority or voluntary agency towards the cost of projects which make it possible for people such as those with a mental handicap to return to the community.

§ Mr. Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what funding is available from Government sources for the rehabilitation of mentally and physically handicapped people in Scotland who have been moved out of institutions into the community under the "care in the community" policy.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
The cost of providing community care facilities for mentally and physically handicapped people discharged from hospital is met primarily by health boards and local authority social work departments from their general allocations from central Government. These allocations have been substantially increased in real terms since 1979. In addition, a number of voluntary organisations providing community care facilities receive grant either directly from central Government or from regional councils or health boards.
Under the urban programme, the Government provide 75 per cent. grant for a number of projects which benefit mentally or physically handicapped people in eligible deprived urban areas who may be returning to the community. Scottish Homes will devote a set amount of its capital allocation from central Government specifically to housing for the disabled including mentally and physically handicapped people. A range of specific weekly social security benefits is available to the long-term sick and disabled. Such people are also eligible as a priority group to apply for community care grants under the social fund and also to the independent living fund. These grants are intended primarily to help those leaving institutional care to set up home and remain in the community.