HC Deb 07 June 1988 vol 134 cc565-6W
Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether residents of homes not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support.

Mr. Portillo

There are certain circumstances in which residents of homes not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support to the appropriate residential care or nursing home limit. These are set out in regulation 19(3), of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987, as amended by the Income Support (General) Amendment Regulations 1988, which define "nursing home" and "residential care homes". All residents of homes mentioned specifically in this regulation will be entitled to income support, subject to the normal qualifying criteria.

Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether residents of homes with less than four beds not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will receive income support.

Mr. Portillo

Subject to the normal qualifying criteria people in homes with fewer than four beds not required to be registered under the Registered Homes Act 1984 will be entitled to income support up to the appropriate residential care home limit if the conditions set out in regulation 19(3) of the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 are met. Where the conditions are not met residents will be entitled to income support up to the ordinary board and lodging limits.