HC Deb 13 February 1984 vol 54 c95W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the maximum nursing home fees eligible for supplementary benefit purposes.

Dr. Boyson

The amount of supplementary benefit payable to enable a claimant to meet nursing home fees is subject to locally determined limits which reflect the reasonable charge for such accommodation as is available in the area concerned. If the only accommodation available in a particular area is unreasonably expensive, an office may adopt the limit of an adjoining area.

A list of the local limits for nursing homes and other forms of board and lodging accommodation has been placed in the Library of the House, together with background notes which include an explanation of the circumstances in which the limits can be increased to meet high charges.