§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the accommodation referred to in deposited paper 3042, page 111, as specifically intended for and occupied by elderly, sick or disabled persons includes (i) property that is owned by elderly, sick or disabled persons, (ii) accommodation that is not officially recognised as sheltered accommodation and (iii) accommodation that has not been physically altered specifically for elderly, sick or disabled persons.
§ Mr. PortilloThe intention of the draft housing benefits regulations published in May 1987, to which the hon. Member refers, is that the costs of an emergency alarm system which a tenant has no choice but to meet should be eligible for housing benefit where the system is provided412W either in accommodation, such as sheltered housing, which has been specially designed or adapted for elderly, sick or disabled people, or in accommodation that is particularly suitable for such people. The local authority associations are currently being consulted on amendments to the draft regulations for the reformed housing benefit scheme which, among other things, will make this intention clear. Help for owner-occupiers with the costs of emergency alarm systems will be available under the income support scheme, using the same criteria.