§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the methodology underpinning the 309W distribution of the funding for extra intermediate care funding facilities for older people as described in his letter of 6 March to the hon. Member for Cheadle. [43903]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 18 March 2002]: In November 2001, the Department's regional offices were invited to submit bids against £66 million of capital funding available for intermediate care. Bids were assessed against 10 criteria.
I announced allocation of the "first phase" of £46 million to 80 projects on 6 March 2002. A £20 million "second phase" will follow, after further developmental work in a number of localities.