HC Deb 13 July 1982 vol 27 c366W
30. Mr. Allan Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it remain the policy of his Department that local authorities should not charge for home helps supplied under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act in the cases of people in receipt of supplementary benefit.

40. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now issue new guidance to local authorities on the subject of charging long-term sick and disabled people for home help provided under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, where such people are in receipt of supplementary benefit.

Mr. Rossi

Local authorities are empowered to charge for home help services provided under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970—at levels which they determine, up to the full cost of the service provided. Authorities may reduce or waive charges, and we have made clear our view that they should not charge those in receipt of such services who are living at the supplementary benefit level, or those who would suffer real hardship if required to pay charges. No new guidance is planned.