HC Deb 25 June 1991 vol 193 cc431-2W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether residents of former local authority part III homes, which are transferred to the private or voluntary sectors, are eligible for the higher levels of income support; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

Local authorities in England and Wales have a duty under the National Assistance Act 1948 to arrange for the provision of residential accommodation for those in need. They can exercise this by providing accommodation in their own homes or by arranging accommodation in an independent home. In either case, the local authority meets the full cost of the accommodation and care. Similar arrangements apply in Scotland.

My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health, for Scotland and for Wales, and I are fully committed to the principles of community care as outlined in the White Paper "Caring for People" (Cm. 849) and the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. These include encouraging local authorities to act as enablers rather than providers and to promote and stimulate the development of the independent and voluntary sectors in the provision of care.

Mr. Scott

Information on weather station seven-day mean temperatures is held in the Library for the period 1 November 1990 to 11 April 1991. Information after 11 April is not available. Information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.