Commentary on Sections Part 4 – Local Authority and Health Board Functions Chapter 2: local authority functions Provision of services
42.Section 25(1) places a duty on a local authority to provide, or secure the provision of, services that provide care and support for patients in its area who are not in hospital. The section also gives local authorities the power to do the same for such patients who are in hospital.
43.Subsection (2) requires the services provided to be designed so as to minimise the effect of the mental disorder and to give the patient the opportunity to lead as normal a life as possible.
44.Subsection (3) describes care and support services which might be provided, including practical and emotional support in a crisis, assistance with daily tasks, and accommodation with appropriate levels of support.
45.Subsection (4) incorporates sections 25 and 26 into section 59(1) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (c.49), with regard to the duty of local authorities to provide and maintain residential or other establishments.
46.Section 26(1) places a duty on a local authority to provide, or secure the provision of, services that are designed to promote the well-being and social development of those patients in its area who are not in hospital. Like section 25, the section also gives local authorities the power to do the same for patients in hospital.
47.Subsection (2) sets out some of the services that may be provided.
48.Subsection (3) states that the duty conferred by subsection (1) is without prejudice to the existing duty on local authorities to provide social, cultural and recreational activities and vocational and industrial training under section 1 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.44), and the duty on Scottish Ministers to provide further education under section 1 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992 (c.37).
49.Section 27 places a duty on local authorities to provide, or secure the provision of, transport for patients who are not in hospital to attend or participate in those services provided under sections 25 and 26. Again, local authorities are given a power to do the same for patients in hospital.