§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the statutory powers available to local authorities to provide community alarm schemes for their residents. [6888]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe benefit that community alarm schemes can bring is clear. The power to summon assistance quickly and easily provides a sense of security. In the light of concerns expressed about the statutory basis on which local authorities may operate such schemes, the Welsh Office today published a consultation paper entitled "Local Authorities and Community Alarm Schemes". The paper seeks views on extending local authorities' powers to enable them to expand the service to any local resident. It examines the present statutory framework and outlines the Government's preliminary view that local authorities' role in the provision of community alarms should be extended to allow them to provide, and charge for, this service to anyone resident in their area.
If the Government were to conclude in the light of comments that this wider role should be given to local authorities, their intention would be to legislate to that effect at the next opportunity.
Copies of the consultation paper will be placed in the Library of the House. Copies are being sent to the Welsh Local Government Association and local authorities which are being invited to respond by 16 January 1997.