§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's funding of social services in Gloucestershire, with particular reference to disabled people. [29934]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 24 January 2002]: Gloucestershire's Personal Social Services Standard Spending Assessment (PSS SSA) increases from £81.3 million for 2001–02 to £84.2 million for 2002–03, which is an increase of over 5 per cent. In addition, Gloucestershire will receive substantial increases in grants for social services. Their carers grant will increase by 21 per cent. Their building capacity and deferred payment grant will double. Their children's services grant will increase by 13 per cent.
It is for Gloucestershire city council to decide how much of its PSS SSA to use for services for disabled people.