Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what publicity he has funded to encourage the uptake of direct payments; and what funding was made available in each case.

Answer: Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what publicity he has funded to encourage the uptake of direct payments; and what funding was made available in each case. [224275] Dr. Ladyman: We have produced a range of user- friendly information including, "A guide to receiving direct payments from your local council", which will also be available in Braille and audio formats. In association with the Council for Disabled Children, we have also produced "A Parents' Guide to Direct Payments" for parents with disabled children. We have produced an easy guide to direct payments to encourage people with learning disabilities to consider the option of direct payments. We have also produced a video targeted at people from black and ethnic minority communities who want to access direct payments. a video targeting older people is also being produced by Age Concern. Local councils should supplement this with local appropriate information. We also provide funding to the National Centre for Independent Living, which provides information and advice about direct payments and independent living to individuals, local councils and voluntary organisations.

Secondary information