§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the Government issued guidance to providers about supported living; when the deadline for funding such schemes is; and if he will make a statement. [119244]
§ Keith HillA considerable amount of guidance has been issued to local authorities and providers on the Supporting People programme, which may be found on the SPK web www.spkweb.org.uk. This guidance has been being issued over the last two years. The programme went live on 1 April, following the closure of the Transitional Housing Benefit Scheme. Local authorities were informed of the provisional amounts of funding in February 2003, and confirmation of final allocations is planned to take place in September following the receipt cif further returns from authorities. Chief authorities are now responsible for Supporting People and will decide, following reviews of current provision, which types and levels of service should be provided locally.