§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what discussions he has had with the Minister for Social Security and Disabled People regarding the effect of payments by councils in lieu of community care on local authorities' budgets;
(2) what discussions he has had with the Minister of State for Social Security and Disabled People regarding increases in standard spending assessments to offset the costs on local authorities for disabled people not in care.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced in November her intention to allow local authorities to make direct payments to disabled people in lieu of services. My Department has discussed with the Department of Health the effects of this proposal on local authorities' budgets. As any powers to make direct payments will be permissive and will involve the same assessment procedures as now, I am satisfied that there will be no additional need for resources.