41. As a result, I am in a position to pledge that between now and 1997, we shall increase our recurrent spending on social welfare by 26% in real terms, subject, of course, to this Council's approval. With this extra money, we can move ahead quickly to achieve targets which meet the community's needs in rehabilitation, social welfare and social security. We will update the targets regularly to ensure that they match the changing needs and circumstances of the various groups of clients.
The Rehabilitation Programme
42. Let me begin with a message of reassurance for the disabled and their families. In March this year, the Government published a Green Paper on Rehabilitation. The consultation process is continuing but I can confirm now that the necessary funds will be made available to meet the key targets.
43. I hope that Members will allow me a little time to go into the detail of what this should mean in practice for the disabled between now and 1997. An additional 3 930 residential places will be provided for the mentally handicapped, the physically disabled and those who have suffered from mental illness. This is an increase of just over 100%. As a result, there should be enough residential places for all who need them by 1997.
44. The demand for day services for the mentally handicapped will also be met in full. The mentally handicapped will have an additional 2 110 places in sheltered workshops and an extra 1 650 places in day activity centres. With this expansion, there should no longer be any need, or any excuse, for the mentally handicapped to be left to languish at home.
Social Welfare Services
45. We must also end the uncertainty about our commitment to the goals set by last year's White Paper on Social Welfare. I am determined that we shall achieve all the key targets for 1997. Let me spell out what this should mean for the people concerned.
-The elderly will receive a special priority. We will provide them with an additional 5 000 places in care and attention homes and homes for the aged. We will also establish 14 more multi-service centres and 70 social centres.
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