The Disablement Services Authority (Establishment and Constitution) Order 1987

Functions of the Authority

3.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, and in accordance with such directions as the Secretary of State may give to the Authority, the Authority shall have the functions specified in this paragraph and such other functions as the Secretary of State may direct the Authority to perform on his behalf—

(a) the provision (including fitting and repair) of artificial limbs, limb appurtenances and arm appliances;

(b) the provision (including repair and maintenance) of non-powered and powered wheelchairs and of wheelchair accessories including the provision of special seating;

(c) the provision of other facilities, being articles or appliances for use in the aftercare of disabled persons, as the Secretary of State may direct;

(d) the payment, in accordance with regulations, of travelling expenses incurred by persons availing themselves of any services provided by the Authority;

(e) the formulation and development of long-term policies designed to secure the efficient management of the artificial limb service and the wheelchair service;

(f) the implementation of the policies referred to at sub-paragraph (e) above during the interim period and the submission of recommendations to the Secretary of State as to the implementation after the interim period of the said policies.

(2) In performing any function conferred upon the Authority by this Order the Authority shall have regard to the following—

(a) the relationship between its responsibilities and any responsibilities for the provision of related services for disabled persons falling to other health authorities in accordance with functions exercised by them on behalf of the Secretary of State;

(b) the terms of any agreements approved by the Secretary of State relating to the remuneration and conditions of employment of officers of the Department of Health and Social Security whose services have been made available to the Authority.

(3) Nothing in this Order shall enable the Authority to carry out any research or development.