§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has made to the first report of the policy forum entitled "Great Expectations and Spending on Social Services", a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis report rightly points out the increase in public expectations of social services as a result of important recent legislation: the Children Act 549W 1989 and community care. Local authorities have a challenging job to provide services which are flexible, comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of users and carers.
As the burden has increased, so have the resources available. Over the last two years alone, the standard spending for social services has increased by 33 per cent. Since 1979, spending in real terms has increased by 60 per cent. An extra 3,500 social workers have been recruited in the last six years alone.
The centre produces guidance, legislation and resources. Local authorities rather than central Government have the direct responsibility for providing social services for their population. It is for local authorities in carrying out their responsibilities to judge priorities in the context of local circumstances.