Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 4 September 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 September 2006. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 September 2006 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Local Government Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will amend the criteria for determining central Government grant to local authorities to take account of the costs associated with supporting individuals with autistic spectrum disorders and their families; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Formula grant is largely based on relative needs formulae, together with the number of band-D equivalent properties in its area. We then ensure that every authority receives at least a minimum percentage increase (the ‘floor’) year-on-year on a like-for-like basis i.e. after adjusting for changes in funding and function. In order to pay for this we scale back the increases above the floor.Relative needs formulae take into account the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of authorities. One of these formulae is for children’s social care. The formula is based on extensive research and has a solid evidence base. It draws on evidence from the 2003 Children in Need census. This is the largest source of information on children’s social service activity in England. It contains information from almost every council who provide children’s social care. Therefore children with autistic spectrum disorders included in the 2003 Children in Need census are included in the evidence base used to derive the existing formula.

Secondary information