HC Deb 22 July 1980 vol 989 c647W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will use his powers under section 22 of the National Assistance Act 1948 as amended by schedule 4 paragraph 2 to the Social Security Act 1980 to make regulations to remove the disincentive on disabled people in residential accommodation who are able to work; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he is satisfied with the formulae for assessing the means of disabled people in local authority accommodation; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he intends to make regulations concerning assessment of means for local authority accommodation provided under section 22 of the National Assistance Act 1948 as amended by schedule 4 paragraph 2 to the Social Security Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The question of local authority charging policy generally in the personal social services, including the assessment of ability to pay charges for residential accommodation, is at present under consideration by the Government. Any regulations made under section 22 (5) of the National Assistance Act 1948, as amended, will need to await the outcome of these considerations.