§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on changes in the cost of care at residential homes. [175211]
§ Angela SmithResidential homes may charge individual residents different amounts based on the type and extent of care needed and the standard of facilities and accommodation provided. For those residents who are not self-funding, Health and Social Services Trusts will normally pay agreed regional tariffs for the appropriate standard placement for each class of resident. In recognition of the increased pressures faced by the independent care home sector, the Department has made significant additional resources available to provide for increases above inflation. Above inflation increases have been made in each year since 2001–02 and the additional money this year has enabled Health and Social Services Trusts to increase rates paid for an elderly residential home place from £230 in 2001–02 to £273 in 2004–05, an increase of around 16 per cent.