§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of persons in residential care who are disaggregated for the purposes of supplementary benefit but whose partners are still asked to contribute to their maintenance as a liable relative; what is his policy in such circumstances where the partner is in employment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThere are no figures from which such an estimate could be made, but the number of cases where a liable relative is required to contribute when supplementary benefit is paid in respect of a spouse in residential care is thought to be small. In considering any liability to maintain under the supplementary benefit legislation, account is taken of any contribution already being made towards the claimant's accommodation.