Written Assembly Questions tabled on 11 February 2015 for answer on 18 February 2015
R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.
(Self identifying Question no. shown in brackets)
Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): What steps is the Welsh Government taking to improve access to specialist services for people living with early-onset dementia in Wales? (WAQ68353)
Answer received on 24 February 2015
The Minister for Health and Social Serevices (Mark Drakeford): The establishment of a young onset dementia service was an ambition set out in our National Dementia Vision and, since 2011-12, we have provided health boards with annual funding of £500,000 to establish specific services for this group.
We also continue to fund the work of dementia clinical coordinators, and ensure both the ongoing distribution of our Dementia Information Packs – a UK first – and operation of the Wales Dementia Helpline, both key sources of information and advice.
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Will the Minister state the steps taken by the Welsh Government to improve the recognition of dementia as a terminal condition? (WAQ68354)
Answer received on 24 Chwefror 2015
The Minister for Health and Social Services (Mark Drakeford): The International Classification of Disease is used by World Health Organization member nations and classifies dementia as an organic and progressive neurodegenerative condition.
Whilst I recognise the Alzheimer’s Society and Marie Curie drive to classify dementias as terminal conditions, it is important to remember many of those with a diagnosis continue to lead, with appropriate care and support, meaningful, independent and productive lives often for many years. Our focus is on measures to improve rates of diagnosis, continued work to improve awareness of the likely impacts, and on the steps needed to further improve the quality of care and support, including for those closer to the end of their lives.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What consideration has the Minister given to the introduction of an annual gambling prevalence survey for Wales? (WAQ68355)
Answer received on 24 February 2015
Mark Drakeford: Gambling is a non-devolved issue, however I recognise that the effects of problem gambling impact on the public services for which we are responsible.
The Welsh Government has proposed that several large scale surveys, including the National and Welsh Health surveys, the Active Adults Survey (run by Sport Wales), the Arts in Wales Survey (run by Arts Council of Wales), and the Welsh Outdoor Recreation Survey (run by Natural Resources Wales) should be integrated into a new, single National Survey for Wales, to run from 2016-17.
A public consultation on the broad topics to include in the new survey is due to end on 18 February. I will ask for your suggestion to be taken into account, when the feedback from the consultation is collated, and when we carry out the detailed consideration of the topics to include in the survey.
Darren Millar (Clwyd West): What action is the Welsh Government taking to tackle gambling addiction in Wales? (WAQ68356)
Answer received on 24 February 2015
Mark Drakeford: There are no specific medical interventions for gambling, although psychological interventions can help individuals change their behaviour.
Should the issue impact on, or be caused by, mental ill-health, individuals can access support through their GP or secondary mental health services. The Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) is also available every day of the year for individuals who are experiencing mental distress. The number is 0800 132 087 or text HELP to 81066.
Alternatively, people can access advice and support via organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous and GamCare, which provide support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem.
Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Does the Minister have any intention to address the current apparent anomaly between War Disablement Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme pensions in relation to the amount of disregard allowed against payments for social care? (WAQ68351)
Answer received on 24 February 2015
Mark Drakeford: A review in underway of current charging disregards in relation to both residential and non residential care. It is being undertaken in order to formulate a new charging and financial assessment framework under our Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 for implemented in April 2016. The outcome of these considerations will be taken into account in our consultation on the regulations to be made under the Act. Full consideration will be given to any disparity in the treatment of military compensations awards, and therefore the treatment of War Disablement Pensions.
Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): What guidelines are in place for local authorities with reference to any 'disregard' for war disablement pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments in relation to social care? (WAQ68352)
Answer received on 24 February 2015
Mark Drakeford: Under current law, local authorities have a duty to charge for the residential care they provide or arrange for a person assessed as in need of such care. Regulations must be applied in undertaking a financial assessment of that person’s ability to pay a charge. Authorities have discretion as to whether they charge for non-residential, community-based care and support. Where discretion is applied, authorities must apply regulations in undertaking a financial assessment.
The regulations, supported by statutory guidance, applied to both residential and non-residential charging require that the first £10 of any War Disablement Pension received by a person is disregarded in their financial assessment. A charge can be made against the remainder of such payment. A full disregard is applied to any payment a person receives under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.