§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will state the estimated savings he expects in the first full year of operation from changes in the board and lodging regulations as they affect mentally handicapped people (a) in total, (b) for Scotland arid (c) for Edinburgh;
(2) if he will estimate how much money will be saved in the first full year of operation from changes in the board and lodging regulations as they affect mentally handicapped people, as a result of (a) changes in the maximum rents that can be charged, (b) abolishing the disability allowance for private nursing homes and residential care homes, (c) deducting the attendance allowances from claimants in nursing homes arid residential care homes and (d) reducing the personal allowance from £10.30 to £8.50 a week for new claimants and freezing current personal allowances at £10.30 until the £8.50 is updated to match it.
§ Mr. WhitneyEstimates of savings in respect of the changes in the board and lodging regulations as they affect mentally handicapped people are not available separately.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from those concerned about changes in the board and lodging regulations as they affect the mentally handicapped.
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§ Mr. WhitneyWe have received a number of representations from individuals and organisations, including Mencap, Mind, United Response, Care and The Enterprise Foundation for People with Mental Handicap.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received to date expressing concern at the new board and lodging allowances.
§ Mr. WhitneySince 29 April we have received about 600 letters from hon. Members and about 800 letters direct from individuals and organisations on the board and lodging changes.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the number of people who, since the introduction of the revised board and lodging regulations, have been obliged to leave board and lodgings and have subsequently not been able to obtain any other form of shelter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe have no evidence that claimants affected by the expiry of time limits on payment as boarders have been unable to make alternative arrangements to receive supplementary benefit as householders or non-householders or to obtain payment as boarders in other areas.