§ 57. Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made by his Department of the implications of the transfer of local authority homes into the independent sector.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe White Paper "Caring for People" made it clear that the Government see the future development of community care, including residential care, taking place in partnership between the private, voluntary and statutory sectors. Local authorities will continue to have a valuable role to play in provision. The transfer of some local authority homes to the independent sector may, however, provide more choice for users and also more competition between providers, leading to better value for money and a more cost-effective service.