CHARGING FOR CARE SERVICES

Early day motion 264, tabled 2 February 1999 by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 42 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of evidence on charging for adult non-residential services by Mencap in their report, Fully Charged; notes that 95 per cent. of local authorities in England and Wales now charge for non-residential services such as day centres; further notes that 55 per cent. of local authorities now levy a charge on people with learning disabilities in receipt of income support, causing considerable financial hardship to people with learning disabilities; believes that the scale of variation in the discretionary charging system is unfair; and calls on the Government to issue guidance to local authorities on charging for non-residential care services, directing local authorities not to impose charges on adults on income support alone.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 14, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1.