§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have taken place with social services departments of local authorities to ensure that sufficient priority is given to housing needs for the elderly.
§ Mr. BowisUnder arrangements introduced on 1 April, it is for individual local social services departments to assess the community care needs of people in need of social services. They will consider, with other agencies, including housing authorities, how these needs can be met within local priorities. The community care support force visited a number of local authorities to offer advice and guidance as part of its overall work in helping authorities implement the community care reforms. Further advice on housing and community care issues is contained in the joint Departments of Health and the Environment circular (LAC(92)12) issued last September, a copy of which is available in the Library.