§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received recently from Mencap about housing for older people with learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [64473]
§ Jacqui SmithWe recognise that there is particular concern about the position of people with learning disabilities living with older carers aged 70 and over. They and their families must be able to plan for the future in good time. Promoting supported living for older people with learning disabilities is one of the priorities for both156W the revenue and capital elements of the £42 million learning disability development fund, announced in the White Paper "Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21" Century" published in March 2001. The fund has been made available to the new learning disability partnership boards, now established in each local authority area. Each partnership board has produced a local plan to improve services for people with learning disabilities and their families.
I have received a copy of Mencap's report, "The Housing Timebomb" (June 2002), which considers housing, care and support issues affecting people with learning disabilities living with older parents. We will consider the report and its recommendations carefully.