HC Deb 12 June 1986 vol 99 c297W
Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide full details of the costs taken into account in calculating the allowances payable to elderly residents in privately owned residential homes.

Mr. Major

Supplementary benefit for elderly people in homes meets actual charges — not costs — up to a maximum limit, currently £120. The Government aim to set limits at a level which will enable reasonable charges to be met, and take account in doing so of the best information available on relevant factors, including costs and charges. We are currently studying a report we have commissioned from management consultants on costs and charges in homes, and will make the results available shortly.