HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc629-31W
46. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to increase resources to voluntary organisations in the light of the inevitable reduction of statutory social service provision.

Mr. Moyle

We are anxious to encourage all forms of voluntary effort irrespective of the level of statutory social service provision. Under the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 my right hon. Friend can give grants to voluntary organisations, normally at national level, providing services in health and social services fields. This year £3.15 million was provided for this purpose. We have already announced that, in 1977–78, this sum will be increased to £5 million. Local authorities have similar powers to support voluntary effort locally. The consultative document, "Priorities for Health and Personal Social Services in England", issued last year, reminded them of the particularly important rôle of voluntary organisations in engaging the help of community resources, and I hope that they will have this in mind when allocating their own resources.

Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total amount of moneys, in real terms, made available through his Department to voluntary organisations in England and Wales in each of the last five years; and what is his projected level of grant for the next financial year.

Mr. Roland Moyle

Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 enables my right hon. Friend to give grants to voluntary organisations which operate in the health and personal social services fields and provide a service similar to one which he or a local authority must or may provide, or which promote or publicise such a service or a similar one.

The amounts of these grants, at Public Expenditure Survey 1976 prices, over the last five years are:

£ million
1972–73 … 1.62
1973–74 … 2.11
1974–75 … 2.18
1975–76 … 2.19
1976–77 (forecast outturn) … 3.15

As my right hon. Friend announced at his meeting with voluntary organisations on 23rd June 1976, provision for 1977–78 will be £5 million.

The figures relate only to England. The distribution of grants to voluntary organisations working in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.