To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has a policy on the provision of respite care for non-elderly disabled people.

The provision of services tailored to meet individual need and in an appropriate setting is a cornerstone of community care policy. Local authorities have a duty under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to assess the needs of, and provide appropriate services to, people who appear to need them. This would qualify non-elderly disabled people for respite care where the local authority assessed this as necessary.

In 1999 the Scottish Executive doubled the funds available to local authorities for respite care and the support of carers from £5 million per year to £10 million through the Strategy for Carers. The Executive has made available additional resources, rising to £11 million per year, in response to the Royal Commission Report on Long Term Care. It is up to local authorities to decide how these resources should best be deployed to meet local needs and priorities.