§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the impact of Southend borough council's SSA on health spending; and if he will make a statement on the recent meeting between hon. Members, councillors, officers and the Minister of State. [107269]
§ Mr. HuttonI met representatives of Southend borough council and hon. Members from Southend on 10 January where they outlined the local situation with regard to their SSA. The meeting mainly discussed the financial difficulties the local authority is facing particularly with regard to mental health and learning disability client groups. I am currently considering whether there is any underspend in this year's mental health care grant which may provide additional support to the borough council. I agreed to examine what extra assistance the social services inspectorate could provide to support the authority.