§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the financial impact on local authorities of the Information for Social Care scheme. [25779]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 11 January 2002]: Plans recently submitted by councils with social services responsibilities to the Department indicate a financial requirement for taking forward Information for Social Care as part of the wider 'Modernising Government' agenda. In recognition of the need, and in addition to funding provided by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions under the wider agenda, the Department of Health is providing a capital grant over three years to help each council improve the quality of their welfare services through the better use of information and information technology.