§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance he proposes to offer to housing associations in the transition to community care; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungOverall responsibility for policy on community care and monitoring its detailed implementation at local level rests with the Department of Health. Recognising the role housing associations can play in community care, I am asking the Housing Corporation to relax its rules so that, as a transitional measure in 1993–94, housing associations will continue to be eligible for special needs management allowance support for people placed in residential homes by local authorities.
I am aware that particular concern has been expressed about the future of care homes for those with an unsettled lifestyle, which may include people who misuse alcohol and drugs and people who are mentally ill. I am therefore asking the Housing Corporation to liaise closely with housing associations operating schemes for such people.