§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the placing authority for local authority-sponsored residents placed outside its own boundaries will be responsible for meeting the full costs of the placement by making a payment direct to the establishment; whether 355W the placing authority or the authority where the establishment is based will be responsible for the calculation and payment of the housing benefit; and if housing benefit paid by the authority where the home is based will be paid direct to the placing authority.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAs the White Paper "Caring for People" indicates, the local social services authority which arranges residential or nursing home care will be responsible for meeting the fees agreed with the home, whether this is within its area or not. Housing benefit is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security, but I understand this will be claimed, as now, from the local housing authority in whose area the home is situated. Precise details of the way income support and housing benefit will be paid are still under consideration.