§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has held, and with whom, regarding the security and welfare of users of establishments currently run by the Fellowship Charitable Foundation.
§ Mr. BowisOur guidance, LAC(93)6, to local authorities stresses the value of having contingency plans to cover events such as unplanned home closures. The aim is to enable home closures to be handled with minimum disruption to individuals. Guidance on the practicalites of 633W such contingency planning was produced earlier this year by the community care support force and will be placed in the Library.
If, despite these measures, a residential care home suddenly closes and alternative accommodation is not available, the local authority should make residential care arrangements for the residents under its duty under the National Assistance Act 1948 to provide residential care to people who are in need of care and attention which is not otherwise available.