§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total annual amount spent by his Department to support elderly citizens in private rest homes; what is the average weekly cost; and whether the cost is fixed or negotiable.
§ Dr. BoysonThe information is not available in the form requested. The average amount of supplementary pension payable to residents in private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes in Great Britain at December 1982, excluding those sponsored by local authorities and those supported by health authorities under contractual arrangements, was £47.27 per week. This includes an allowance for personal expenses as well as an amount to meet the home's fees, but is net of any resources such as retirement pension which fall to be taken into account in assessing the claimant's entitlement.
373WThe amount of benefit payable to meet a home's fees is subject to a locally determined limit which reflects a reasonable charge for the area concerned. With effect from 21 November 1983, there have been separate local limits for residential care homes and for nursing homes. The amount paid reflects the charge actually made, which should generally be lower than the limit.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the most up-to-date figures available of the number of elderly citizens in care in private rest homes at the present time that are being assisted through direct finance support by his Department; and how those figures compare with the previous four years for which information is available.
§ Dr. BoysonI refer the hon. Member to my reply of 9 February to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) at column751.