HC Deb 04 November 2002 vol 392 cc131-2W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his oral statement on 23 July on older people's services, how many extra care home places will result from the plans he announced in each of the next three years. [78913]

Jacqui Smith

In the recently published national health service and social care planning guidance, "Improvement, Expansion and Reform: The next 3 years", the Government indicated a capacity assumption of an increase of 6,000 in the number of people in care homes supported by councils over the three years to 2006. We expect the majority of the places to be provided from April 2004 onwards.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his oral statement on 23 July concerning services for older people, for what reasons he estimates there was a reduction in the number of households receiving home care over the last five years. [78914]

Jacqui Smith

Home care is only part of the care and support provided through non-residential social services. This includes home helps and home care, community equipment and housing adaptations, occupational therapy, day care, and direct payments. We are committed to improving the provision of non-intensive care and support as part of better preventive services.