§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance he has given to local authority social services departments in Wales regarding the criteria to be employed under best value assessments for autism-specific services. [73627]
893W
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe Local Government Bill, which includes best value provisions, is currently being considered by Parliament. The Bill makes provision for the National Assembly to be responsible for administering best value in Wales. The Bill provides a broad framework for best value and it will be for the Assembly to determine the more detailed aspects of the policy and how it will operate in Wales. The Assembly is likely to want to draw on the experience of all Welsh authorities involved in best value pilot studies. Once the Bill is enacted and the pilot studies have made further progress, the Assembly will wish to consider what guidance to issue to local authorities on best value.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many autism-specific places are currently provided by social services departments in Wales for individuals with autism-specific disorders within(a) residential services, (b) day services and (c) respite case services. [73628]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesWhile information on services for the disabled is collected centrally, this does not include information on the autism-specific places provided by social services departments in Wales.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.