§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the proportion of the cost of specialist residential placements for vulnerable children contributed by different health authorities is taken into account in financial allocations for social services to local authorities; and if he will take account of this matter in the process of determining the new funding formulae for local authorities. [77084]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe proportion of the cost of specialist residential placements for vulnerable children contributed by the NHS in different health authorities is not taken into account in the standard spending assessments for social services. This is also true of the options for the new formulae which we have consulted on over the Summer. Resources for health and social services to an area are allocated separately, with social services providing the majority of residential care. Joint funding arrangements that are then reached between Primary Care Trusts (which now commission NHS services) and local authorities are a local policy decision.