§ Mrs. DeanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent assessment he has made of the unmet need for level-access showers in(a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire; [113155]
(2) what assessment he has made of the number of individuals who are unable to have baths or showers in their own homes because of the need for a level-access shower in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire. [113156]
Mr. McNuItyI have been asked to reply.
I announced on 10 February this year a substantial increase in Government funding for the disabled facilities grant budget for England. The increase to £99 million will be for each of the next three years. This was in response to requests from local authorities for additional resources to deal with an increasing demand for housing adaptations from disabled people and their families, (including the need for level-access showers).
606WThe Government do not, however, monitor in detail the level of outstanding work under this programme, or the unmet need for level-access showers, either at national or local authority level.