Mr. Peter ButterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, what response she proposes to make to representations she has received on her proposals for a special transitional grant for community care.
§ Mr. YeoWe have been consulting the local authority associations and others on the detail of the announcements which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made on 2 October. In the light of the comments made we think it right to adjust the requirement that in 1993–94 75 per cent. of the special transitional grant be spent in the independent sector. The proportion will now be set at 85 per cent. of the transfer element of the grant. This change recognises that the strength of the independent sector varies across the country whilst ensuring that the overwhelming majority of the funds transferred from the Department of Social Security continue to be spent on independent sector care.
This announcement demonstrates the Government's firm and fair approach in discussing the implemention and funding of community care with the local authority associations.