Sick and disabled
From Councillor Mrs Peggy White Sir: I feel that the somewhat smug article written by Alfred Morris, MP (February 26) deserves comment; whilst the bulk of local authorities have always shown great concern for the disabled, and, in fact, welcomed the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, it needs to be understood that the Act did not in any way immediately increase the funds available to local authorities. The main clauses of the Act simply make mandatory the provision already made by authorities for some years.
As Mr Morris states, the Act has received good publicity; what a pity that the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 and the Social Services Act 1970, both pieces of legislation leading to possibly even greater social reform, have not received similar publicity.
The full implementation of the Social Services Act 1970 is necessary to give impetus and meaningful implementation to the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, for without a social services organisation which extends into the community, local authorities are unlikely to find and meet the needs of the disabled fully. It is easy to stand on the sidelines and criticise local authorities, particularly in relation to a service whose demands are likely to be insatiable for some time to come in practically every field which it covers — mentally handicapped, mentally ill, children and elderly as well as the disabled.
If, as Mr Morris suggests, local authorities are to run in comparison stakes, it is only fair that all services for which local authorities are responsible should be taken into account. After all, those who are accused of dragging their feet concerning one thing, might not do so concerning another, and with three Acts to implement it is hardly likely that they will all achieve the same good standards in every respect immediately. In any case, comparison stakes based on expenditure are likely to prove a very unreliable guide to the services provided.
It is hoped that local authorities will get their priorities right, and set up social service departments under the 1970 Social Services Act, which will meet the needs not only of the chronically sick and disabled, but also the pressing needs of other clients who are in their care.
Peggy White 15 North Hill Close, Leeds 8
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