§ Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the key sector allocations to each local social 455W service authority from the Department of Health and Social Services for the financial years 1977–78 and 1978–79.
§ Mr. MoyleLocal social services authorities in England are not given individual key sector allocations. My Department invites bids each year for loan sanction for projects up to a total cost, which is expressed in pence per head of population. For 1978–79 bids are being invited up to 80p per head of population. In addition, authorities may bid for two further projects over that guideline to assist those with a small population.
In selecting projects for loan sanction approval my Department follows generally the priorities proposed by the local authorities.
As part of the post-Layfield discussions with the local authority associations, consideration is being given to whether changes should be made in the capital procedures generally.