§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what mechanism he plans that adults already living in the community but with significant learning difficulties, will in future be enabled to secure living accommodation which will enable them to have an independent life of their own in the community without dependency on ageing parents; and if he will make a statement. [14578]
§ Mr. RichardsIt is for local and health authorities to provide care and support for individuals with a learning disability.
A key objective in guidance on the Welsh mental handicap strategy, which was issued in July last year, is provision of support to help individuals with a learning disability who already live in the community to continue to do so. Furthermore, Welsh Office Circular 7/95 "Mental Handicap Strategy: Planning Alternative Care and Support for Individuals Living Unnecessarily and Inappropriately in Long Stay Mental Handicap Hospitals", stresses the need for authorities to consider the future accommodation and support needs for individuals already living in the community, when drawing up plans for the resettlement, into the community, of individuals living inappropriately and unnecessarily in long-stay hospitals.