§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being undertaken by her Department to ensure the financial security of short-stay residential projects after the introduction of community care arrangements.
§ Mr. YeoFrom April local authorities will be responsible for assessing individuals' needs and arranging care, including short-stay residential care if appropriate. The money that the Department of Social Security would otherwise have spent supporting people in residential care will be transferred to local authorities to enable them to meet these new responsibilities. Particular encouragement has been given to local authorities to make suitable arrangements for respite care. We will be monitoring carefully how authorities fulfil their new responsibilities.