§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her current policy in respect of village communities for persons with learning disabilities; what factors led her to holding an evaluation of village communities for persons with learning disabilities; and what is the estimated cost of the exercise. [21040]
Mr. BowlsGuidance on residential services for people with learning disabilities is given in LAC(92)15, copies of which are available in the Library. Local authorities can purchase or provide places in village or residential communities if that is what individuals and their families prefer and the communities meet the criteria set out in the guidance. The planned evaluation will involve comparison with the cost and outcomes of other forms of provision and will help authorities make the best use of resources554W in meeting the needs of individuals in their area. Precise details of the evaluation including its cost have yet to be finalised.