§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the extent to which the distribution of the community care transitional grant reflects need within local authority areas.
§ Mr. YeoThe distribution provides a balanced transition from the present pattern of spending by the Department of Social Security towards one based on local authorities' standard spending assessment. The grant will provide an opportunity for authorities and service providers to adjust to the arrangements, ensuring that all authorities are able to meet their new statutory obligations from April this year.