§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she is taking to maintain the purchasing power of grants to voluntary organisations and community groups essential for the relief of urban deprivation.
§ Mrs. CastleI make grants to voluntary organisations, mainly national in scope, which operate in the fields of the health and personal social services, including a number concerned with aspects of urban deprivation. When I am considering the renewal of a grant I take all the circumstances into account, including the fall in purchasing power since the last grant. Within the limits of available resources. I am prepared to consider increasing the level of an existing grant when this seems appropriate.