28. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to assess unmet community care needs.
§ Mr. BowisLocal authorities have the responsibility of assessing individual needs under the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1989 and to decide with the individual concerned how best to meet these needs.
§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received from the Association of Directors of Social Services on the practice of cost-shunting of vulnerable elderly people between health authorities and local councils; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisAs part of the new community care arrangements in England, local authorities have been required to reach agreements with health authorities on their respective responsibilities for continuing care and procedures for hospital discharge. These arrangements are being repeated for 1995–96 and local authorities have been asked to provide evidence of joint strategies to address any operational problems which have been identified. Arrangements in Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.