Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Friday, 17 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 February 2012. It was answered by Lord Stunell (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Supporting People Programme: Hartlepool

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made in the change in the level of funding for the Supporting People programme in Hartlepool constituency per capita of (a) the population and (b) recipients in (i) 2011-12 and (ii) 2012-13.

Answer: Despite the need to tackle the deficit inherited from the last administration, the coalition Government have protected Supporting People funding and is providing £6.5 billion of funding over the spending review period. This equates to an average annual reduction of less than 1% in cash terms.Since Supporting People funding is included within formula grant, which is an un-hypothecated block grant, it is not possible to calculate the precise information requested by the hon. Member. I would add that the Supporting People ringfence was removed in April 2009.

Secondary information