§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to provide funding for community health councils which would allow a standardised level of service across England and Wales(a) related to the population served taking into account the distribution of areas of high dependency and (b) containing a standardised element for the training of community health council staff and members.
§ Mr. DorrellRegional health authorities, as establishing authorities, are responsible for the funding of community health councils. CHCs essentially provide a local service, and RHAs are therefore best placed to make funding decisions taking account of local needs. We see no reason, and have no plans, to change this policy.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will abolish the upper age limit of 70 years for appointment to community health councils.
§ Mr. DorrellThere is no regulation limiting the age of a community health council member. Guidance issued to health authorities advises that appointing bodies should not appoint people over 70 unless there is a special reason, but it has no statutory force.