Mr. HincliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if any new local authority established, following the review of local government, will be required by statute to establish a social services committee and to appoint a director of social services adequately qualified to perform the responsibilities of that position.
§ Mr. BowisThe Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 requires all social services authorities to establish social services committees and appoint directors of social services. It also allows for these to be joint appointments or arrangements.
The Act does not make any provision as regards the qualifications of directors of social services. That is a matter for individual authorities.