SIR: I reply to both Ms Ruth Simmons and J H Hoole.

While both letters expressed clearly held views, unfortunately the facts are wrong.

Care homes in the private sector mushroomed in the mid 1980s when the health authorities decided that long term care for the elderly was not their responsibility except in cases of medical need. Hospitals needed to close beds and the government of the day encouraged the private sector to expand to meet this need and central government met the cost.

The community care act did not come into being until the early 1990s - which coincided with the transfer of funds from central government. The criteria for admission to any residential care was raised significantly for both local authority and private homes when Bolton Social Services provided care in the community. It is this that has had the most serious effect on all residential placements, both local authority and private. The local authority did know in advance what effect this policy would have on residential placements and they advised the private sector in advance in the very early days that this would happen. We may not agree but it is a fact of life.

However, what is not fair to the rate payers of Bolton is that for every residential placement in the private sector the cost is currently set at £240,000 per week, while the social services own homes cost £346.00 per week. Only very highly dependent residents are offered residential placements and I can see no reason why Bolton Social Services should be encouraged by the rate payers of Bolton to pay themselves, out of the rate payers council tax, £106.00 per week per client more than is necessary.

The published figure from central government to provide residential care is currently £240.00 rising to £247.00 in April.

Mrs M E Abel

Chairman

Bolton Association of

Registered Care Homes.

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