§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action her Department is taking to ensure that the new arrangements for community care provide adequate opportunities for disabled people and their unpaid carers to have a respite break; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisThe first two key objectives of the community care reforms are to promote the development of domiciliary, day and respite services; and to ensure that service providers make practical support for carers a high priority. The reforms require authorities to assess the needs of carers as well as the people for whom they care. They also provide greater incentives for authorities to provide respite care.