§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the operation of the powers whereby local authorities can add to benefits payable in respect of disabled people in private and voluntary homes for the elderly.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 25 February 1986]: Local authorities have powers, which may be operated at their discretion, to meet for certain claimants in residential care homes any excess of the homes' charges over their supplementary benefit payments. Information on these powers is given in circular LASS L(86) 1, a copy of which is in the Library.