§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) by social services authority and (b) in total (i) the standard spending assessment for personal social services in 1998–99, (ii) the standard spending assessment for personal social services in 1999–2000, (iii) the difference between (i) and (ii), (iv) the difference expressed as a percentage, (v) the special transitional grant for 1998–99, (vi) the difference between standard spending assessment for personal social services in 1999–2000 and the standard spending assessment for personal social services in 1998–99 combined totalled with special transitional grant for 1998–99 and (vii) the difference in (vi) expressed as a percentage. [68367]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe figures requested have been placed, in the form requested, in the Library of the House.
466WThe comparison which they provide is, however, misleading. This is because they do not reflect the Comprehensive Spending Review's full provision for personal social services, which started from a zero base, looking at expenditure needs afresh. The only fair comparison is to look at total resources provided for social services which, in aggregate, show a 6.1 per cent. cash increase or a 3.5 per cent. real terms increase between 1998–99 and 1999–2000. The increased resources we are making available will meet the costs of looking after existing and new community care clients, and enable local authorities to deliver real improvements in services.