§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial provisions are envisaged for local authority homes and services under the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 during the year 1976–77; and how this 295W sum compares with the allocation for the previous year.
§ Dr. OwenThere are no allocations for these homes and services; the level of expenditure is decided by local authorities themselves within the constraints of successive rate support grant settlements. I estimate that expenditure in England and Wales in 1975–76 and 1976–77 will be £118 million and £126 million at 1974–75 pay and prices, excluding administration and social work costs.