Supporting People Policy (Hansard, 22 July 1999)

§ Mr. Prescott

To ensure the most effective support for people living in our communities who need it, I am establishing a new reference group to work with the Government on implementing our 'Supporting People' policy.

This is a cross-Government initiative, which will be co-ordinated by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). It will work closely with the Departments of Health and Social Security, the Home Office and other parts of Government.

The reference group will comprise individuals nominated by organisations representing local authorities, other statutory agencies, service providers, and those using support services. In due course we will also be inviting a number of people with experience of day-to-day operation of the services to participate in a small Practitioners' Group. By working closely with interested parties to develop the detail of the new arrangements, my Department will ensure that our long-term objective becomes a workable and effective reality.

The introduction of the new funding arrangements for support services were announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security in March, following extensive consultation.

We received more than 500 responses to our "Supporting People" consultation paper. They showed strong support for the principles underlying our proposals, and recognition that, for the first time, the provision of support services is being given the priority it deserves.

588W

I am today publishing a summary of responses to the consultation. Copies are being placed in the Library of the House, and will be sent to all those who responded.

The consultation responses will assist the ongoing work to develop and implement the new, funding arrangements. These will ensure that many thousands of people will get the cost-effective and high quality services they need, to live dignified and independent lives.