HC Deb 03 March 1981 vol 1000 c122
13. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his assessment of the effect of the recent rate support grant settlement on the work of local authority social services departments.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

It is for individual local authorities to determine how their expenditure will be distributed between services. Details of their budgets are not yet available.

Mr. Dubs

Given that this is the International Year of Disabled People, will the Secretary of State issue guidance to local authorities advising them against making cuts in services to the disabled?

Mr. Jenkin

We have just issued a priority document called"Care in Action", which makes it clear where our priorities lie. In social services out priorities are with services for the elderly, the physically and mentally handicapped and those who suffer from mental illness, as well as with antenatal and perinatal services. The hon. Gentleman's authority in Wandsworth is increasing provision for the mentally handicapped, despite the cuts that it is having to make in its programme.

Mr. Paul Dean

In view of the large and welcome increase in resources that have been made available to social services departments in the last decade, will my right hon. Friend encourage local authorities to follow the good example of those authorities that are finding it possible to make economies within services, rather than cut out services altogether?

Mr. Jenkin

That is precisely the guidance that we are urging on local authorities. We have asked them to do their best to protect services to the most vulnerable. The returns show that, overwhelmingly, local authorities are doing just that. Indeed, expenditure in the current year on personal social services across the whole country is about 4 per cent. higher in real terms than it was in 1978–79.

Mr. James A. Dunn

Will the Secretary of State review the guidance that he has issued, because a 4 per cent. increase in expenditure is insufficient to meet the demands of inflation? Is he aware of the many instances of local authorities making grants according to his request and thereby endangering voluntary organisations, which have given such valuable service over the years? I refer to Age Concern and organisations that cater for children, mentally handicapped and physically disabled people.

Mr. Jenkin

I should have made it clear that the 4 per cent. increase over 1978–79 was an increase in real terms and took full account of inflation. The hon. Gentleman has perhaps missed the mark. I lose no chance to urge local authorities to follow my Department's example of maintaining the value of grants to voluntary bodies. That is one way in which we can maintain the quality and quantity of services to those who need them.