§ 18. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Social Security Advisory Committee has recommended that the nursing supplement payable in respect of residents in private nursing homes who are in receipt of supplementary benefit should be increased; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyIn its report — Cmnd. 9466 — the Social Security Advisory Committee recommended — and the Government accepted—that research should be undertaken urgently to ensure that the nursing home supplement has been set at the appropriate level.
§ Mr. HicksDoes my hon. Friend agree that the nursing home supplement differential is inadequate compared to the basic residential scale of payment because of the 24-hour cover that is necessary in nursing homes, with the resulting costly staffing implications?
§ Mr. WhitneyWe took a careful look at this before setting the rate, and we shall continue to monitor it carefully. At the moment we are satisfied that the level is adequate, but we shall continue to keep it under careful review.