Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 January 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Friday, 3 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Elder Abuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to facilitate access to independent advocacy for older people vulnerable to abuse.

Answer: Employers in regulated social care have a statutory duty to involve and keep record of service users' relatives and representatives and to take into consideration the national minimum standards, for facilitating access to advocacy services for older people in their care.The Department has made it clear to local councils and the national health service through the publication of the single assessment process and the national service framework for older people that they should bring in independent advocacy where appropriate.There has been substantial funding made available by the Department to support the development and expansion of self and citizen advocacy services in learning disability, £1.3 million in the last three years. There is £0.9 million available to advocacy groups until March 2006. Funding for advocacy service providers has also been provided through Section 64 grants for projects. The approximate total amount given to advocacy projects for adults was £420,000 in 2003–04, £268,000 in 2004–05 and £397,000 in 2005.

Secondary information