§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to increase the number of special needs houses in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [21121]
(2) what is the total number of special needs houses in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland. [21120]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonCommunity care is one of four national priorities for local housing authorities. It is also a priority for Scottish Homes.
Between 1979 and 1995, the stock of sheltered dwellings provided by public authorities and housing associations increased by more than fourfold to around 34,000. In 1995, these bodies also provided just over 7,900 dwellings for disabled people; just over 24,000 specially adapted houses; over 17,400 amenity houses; and over 23,000 dwellings with alarms. In addition, many community care users live in mainstream housing with suitable support services and a number are in private provision.
A breakdown of the total numbers of such dwellings by parliamentary constituency is not available.