§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will(a) introduce a statutory disregard of capital resources for those in need of long-term social and nursing care and (b) give a higher priority to the well being of this group; and if he will make a statement. [20656]
§ Mr. BowisThe legislation and guidance for local authorities contained in the "Charging for Residential accommodation Guide" clearly state the amount of capital that must be disregarded for charging for residential accommodation. The development of services for older people—(the majority in this group)—has been and remains one of the Government's priority areas. The new capital limits being introduced from April will enable them to retain a minimum of £10,000 of their capital assets.
§ Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for new measures on long-term care. [19727]
§ Mr. BowisThe Government will consult shortly on proposals to encourage people to make provision for long-term care, as announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement on 28 November 1995.