Written question asked by Peter Bone (Conservative) on Monday, 6 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 March 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 20 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Learning Disabilities

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will bring forward proposals to make the provision of respite care for people with learning disabilities a statutory duty of local authorities.

Answer: This Government introduced the Carers Grant in 1999 to support councils in providing breaks and services for carers in England, including those who support people with learning disabilities. The grant has increased each year and has provided an extra £635 million over the past six years. We have confirmed that it will be worth £185 million in 2006–07 and in 2007–08. This will mean that, by 2008, we will have invested over £l billion in services and support for carers of all groups.In addition, we have listened to the considerable public support for carers throughout our extensive consultation process prior to the publication of the white paper ““Our Health, Our Care, Our Say””. As a result, we propose to offer a new deal for carers to improve support for them through a range of measures. This will include ensuring that a short-term, home based respite support to all carers in crisis or emergency situations is established in each council's area.

Secondary information