To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with her colleagues in HM Treasury on the next three-year spending settlement for the supporting people programme. (136533)

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has had and will continue to have wide ranging and regular discussions with the Chancellor and the Chief Secretary about preparations for the 2007 comprehensive spending review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the measures introduced to deliver greater efficiency savings in the supporting people budget. (136534)

Councils assess the efficiency gains they have achieved by service sector, including supporting people, which they report to the Department through their annual efficiency statements.