§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the procedures to prevent the dispersal of private capital by those who secure accommodation in sheltered provision financed by the community.
§ Mr. OrmeI presume that my hon. Friend is referring to accommodation under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948. The Act requires local authorities to provide accommodation for those who need it irrespective of their means. The rules safeguard a person's reasonable savings by disregarding up to £1,200 of capital and any interest earned on it, but those who dispose of capital resources with a view to paying less for their accommodation may have those resources taken into account as if they still owned them when their ability to pay is assessed. I am satisfied that the procedures offer satisfactory protection to both the individual and the community.