§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide additional financial support for social care for vulnerable people in Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [22444]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 13 December 2001]The Department is planning to provide significant additional financial support for social care for the vulnerable people in Somerset. In 2002–03, Somerset County Council's social services standard spending assessment is set to increase to just over £77 million, this represents a 5.9 per cent. cash increase over 2001–02. In addition, they will receive increases in the overall level of the grants paid directly by this Department next year. This follows on from a 5.7 per cent. increase in their total social services resources in 2001–02.