§ Mr. Alan HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given to local authority social services departments concerning(a) the unit cost of the personal care needs of disabled people and (b) the unit cost of services provided by or on behalf of the authority for personal care when considering eligibility for assistance with independent living. [16269]
§ Mr. BurnsLocal authorities have the responsibility to assess individual needs and, where appropriate, to arrange support cost effectively. The Department of Health does not give detailed guidance on these issues.