HC Deb 17 October 1990 vol 177 cc840-1W
13. Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the care in the community Scottish work group to discuss the implementation of community care aspects of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

My right hon. and learned Friend has received no request for such a meeting.

49. Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional funds he will make available to local authorities to house those discharged from long-stay care in hospital under the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 does not of itself require or promote hospital discharges. Decisions on the rate of discharge are taken in accordance with clinical judgment having regard to the availability of accommodation and necessary support in the home area. Rates of discharge have increased substantially in recent years and voluntary bodies as well as the statutory agencies have played an important part in making this possible.

Provisional allocations to local authorities for housing capital expenditure in 1991–92 will be made in December on the basis of their relative housing needs and with reference to their capital programmes and housing plans. Local authorities should include any capital requirements for housing arising from the need to house those discharged from hospital in their capital programmes, which are due to be submitted to the Scottish Development Department in November.