Social services spending rises, new figures show

Gross expenditure by local authorities in England on personal
social services was just over £12 billion in 1999/2000,
according to figures published by the department of health – an
increase of 11 per cent on the previous year.

The figures show services for children and older people
accounted for nearly three-quarters of the total expenditure. In
addition, nearly half of the expenditure was on residential
provision and 35 per cent on day and domiciliary care.

The figures confirm the continued growth in the independent
sector’s provision of residential care for older people.
Expenditure on independent and nursing homes increased by 12 per
cent on the previous year and has nearly trebled since 1994/95. In
contrast, expenditure on local authority-run homes has fallen by 10
per cent over the same five-year period.

Meanwhile, the doh also published its annual report, analysing
the government’s performance and setting out strategies and
expenditure for the next three years.

Most of its public service agreement targets are on course or
achieved, although the aim of improving the educational attainment
of children leaving care has slipped. Last year 30 per cent of
children left care with a single GCSE or GNVQ qualification,
compared to a target of 50 per cent by 2001 and 75 per cent by
2003.

The report also sets out PSS revenue provision for 2001/02.
£9.8 billion will be available for social services, most of
which will be distributed to authorities through standard spending
assessments, with the remainder comprising specific and special
grants.

www.doh.gov.uk/public/stats1.htm

and

www.doh.gov.uk/dohreport/report2001/dr2001.html