To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2010, Official Report, columns 470-1W, on care homes finance, whether the efficiency savings are the same as those local authorities are required to find to contribute towards the cost of providing free personal care at home for people in the greatest need. (318339)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2010, Official Report, columns 470-1W, on care homes: finance, whether the efficiency savings referred to are those which local authorities are required to find to contribute towards the cost of providing free personal care at home for people with the highest needs. (318893)

Yes. The pre-Budget report announcement of £250 million efficiency savings from reducing variations in spend on residential care is an example of how savings can be made

either to help meet the cost of providing free personal care at home for people in the greatest need, or to help meet wider pressures from demographic change.