§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent reviews his Department has carried out of the payment of benefits to people in hospital and long-term residential care; if he will publish the results of any reviews; and if he will be consulting organisations of and for disabled people about any proposed changes.
§ Mr. RossiA draft report on this subject by a Rayner scrutiny team has only recently been received by DHSS Ministers. As yet no decisions have been taken on publication, consultation or implementation.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has completed the revision of guidance to health authorities on social security benefits paid to patients of long-stay hospitals; and when he expects the new guidelines to be published.
§ Mr. RossiPreparation of revised guidance on the payment, management and use of hospital patient's money is well advanced. We expect to be able to issue the revised guidance for consultation within the next few months. A draft report by a Rayner scrutiny team on the payment of social security benefits to people in hospital and long-term residential care has only recently been received, and the outcome of this scrutiny will need to be taken into account in the revised guidance.