§ 47. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received on the effects on social services programmes of Government policies which constrain local authority expenditure.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have identified about 70 such representations from right hon. and hon. Members, local authorities and other interests in the last six months. In the rate support grant settlement each year the Government set national indicative figures for spending on individual local authority services. The figure for personal social services takes account of demographic and other pressures. For 1987–88 an extra 1 per cent. has been allowed for the development of community care policies. It is, however, for each local authority to decide what to spend on personal social services and the degree of priority this should be given against other areas of expenditure.