§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make dedicated funding available to enable the Scottish local authorities to increase the respite care provision they offer in respect of increases in the numbers of those receiving care in the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartAlthough I have no plans to introduce such arrangements, £6.5 million has been allowed in grant-aided expenditure for day, domiciliary and respite care services in 1994–95. It is, however, for local authorities to determine their own spending priorities. Taking account of the DSS transfer, authorities in Scotland will have additional provision of approximately £170 million for community care expenditure in 1994–95 compared with 1990–91.
Central funding is also provided towards the development of respite care services through the mental illness specific grant scheme, bridging finance and direct to voluntary organisations. Of the 230 projects assisted by mental illness specific grant, in the current year, the 117 which provide respite care have been allocated almost £5 million.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of voluntary organisations operating in Scotland who have a direct and recognised role in the implementation of care in the community policies.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 22 February 1994]: This information is not held centrally.