HC Deb 20 February 1990 vol 167 cc640-1W
Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what financial support he intends to make available to organisations concerned with the needs of(a) elderly people, (b) people with physical, sensory or mental disability and (c) carers in the coming financial year to enable them to participate fully in the planning for, and implementation of, increased care in the community.

Mr. Grist

In addition to the sums made available to health and social services authorities for main programme expenditure, Welsh Office support is provided through a number of funding mechanisms including our mental illness and mental handicap strategies and the elderly initiative, the urban programme and grants under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. Figures relating to elderly people, people with a physical and or sensory disability and carers are as follows:

11990–91
Elderly people 3,200,000
People with a physical or sensory disability 744,000
Carers 87,000
1 Provisional.

We expect also to allocate, in addition to core funding of voluntary organisations, up to some £2.2 million in 1990–91 towards initiatives proposed both by voluntary and statutory agencies under the mental illness strategy. The strategy was specifically designed to promote the development of appropriate services in the community for those suffering from mental illness and for their carers.

An announcement will be made shortly in respect of the financial support available under the mental handicap strategy for 1990–91.

We also intend that voluntary organisations will be given every opportunity to participate in the planning of the new community care framework as outlined in our draft planning guidance issues on 26 January, of which the hon. Gentleman has been sent a copy.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current status of his Department's circular 51/89, also referred to as WO health (89)58 and FP (89)15, regarding services for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities in Wales.

Mr. Grist

The circular is a draft issued for consultation. It is intended to publish the final version next month.