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<p /> <p /> <p>In the next spending round period, from April 2015, central government
will continue to provide support to local authorities through general funds, as part
of the coalition Government's commitment to reducing ring-fencing and ending top-down
Whitehall control.</p><p> </p><p>It was always the intention that 2014-15 would be
the last year of separate funding for local welfare provision from the Department
for Work and Pensions. Councils will continue to provide support to those in their
community who face financial difficulties or who find themselves in unavoidable circumstances.</p><p>
</p><p>In contrast to a centralised grant system that was poorly targeted, councils
can now choose how to best support local welfare needs within their areas. As this
is an administrative change only no assessment has been made of the effects. However
we are carrying out a review of the current arrangements, working with the Local Government
Association and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Once completed
it is our intention to place a copy of the findings in the House Library. <br></p>
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