§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what basis the personal allowance element of the pensions paid to residents(a) in local authority care or in long-term hospital beds and (b) in the private or voluntary sector is assessed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe personal allowance for hospital in-patients has been increased over the years in line with the increases in benefit rates and is now £8.70, expressed in the relevant regulations as equivalent to 20 per cent. of the basic retirement pension rate. The allowance for those in local authority accommodation is fixed at the same rate as that for hospital in-patients. In respect of residents of independent residential care and nursing homes the addition for personal expenses is £10.05. This is uprated to reflect changes in prices in the same way as other income support applicable amounts.