§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much joint funding is taking place between the regional and district health authorities and local authorities; and whether he has any plans to extend it.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe joint finance allocations to health authorities, which are mainly for the support of personal social services developments jointly planned with 183W local authorities, have increased from £8 million in 1976–77 when the scheme started to £99.5 million in 1984–85. Since 1979 the annual allocation has been increased by over 50 per cent. in real terms. The total allocated up to March 1984 amounts to over £420 million, almost all of which will have been spent. No decision has yet been made about future allocations. Health authorities have been advised to assume for planning purposes that allocations nationally will be maintained at least at current levels. The scope of joint financing has been extended in recent legislation to include education for disabled people and housing.