§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of standard spending assessment is earmarked to assist local authorities to implement the Children Act 1989; [33062]
(2) what representations he has received regarding the funding to councils to implement the Children Act 1989. [33063]
§ Mr. BowisStandard spending assessments are not earmarked for particular Acts. It is for local authorities to decide how to divide the overall resources at their disposal between individual services. Between 1990–91—the last full year before implementation of the Act—and 1992–93—the first full year after implementation—the standard spending assessment for children's services grew by 15 per cent. in real terms.