§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he monitors the obligations of local authorities to provide a service to disabled people under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 in the absence of any diminution of need; if the provision of a service under that section to meet assessed need takes precedence over the ability of the client to meet any charges for the service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DorrellWe expect local authorities to be well aware of their legal responsibilities and to ensure that their policies and practices comply. We have powers to intervene in individual cases of alleged default. The social services inspectorate has responsibilities to monitor the quality of management and care provided by social services departments. We have made it clear that ability to pay does not and should not in any way influence decisions on the services to be provided. Assessment of financial means should follow assessment of need and decisions about service provision.