§ 55. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the permitted scale of supplementary benefit available to residents in (a) private sector nursing homes and (b) private sector residential retirement homes.
§ Mr. MajorIn the spring of this year the Government reviewed the supplementary benefit limits for private and voluntary residential care and nursing homes in the light of the findings of an extensive programme of monitoring and research. There was no evidence to support a general increase in all of the limits but it was decided to make improvements in some areas. These were effective from 28 July. The changes were:
- An increase in the basic limit for the elderly from £120 to £125.
- A new limit for the very dependent elderly of £140.
- A London premium of 17.50 on top of the appropriate limit for people in all homes in the greater London area.
- An increase of up to £10 for people whose benefit is transitionally protected to meet increases in fees.
The revised schedule of limits is set out in the table.
Residential Care and Nursing Home Limits from 28 July 1986 General national limit £ London limit £ Residential care category Elderly 125 142.50 Very dependant or blind elderly 140 157.50 Mentally ill 130 147.50 Drug or alcohol dependant 130 147.50 Mentally handicapped 150 167.50 Physically disabled: Disabled under pension age 180 197.50 Disabled over pension age 125 142.50 Very dependant elderly 140 157.50 Others 125 142.50 Nursing home category Mentally ill 180 197.50 Drug or alcohol dependant 180 197.50 Mentally handicapped 200 217.50 Terminal ill 230 247.50 Physically disabled: Disabled under pension age 230 247.50 Disabled over pension age 170 187.50 Others (including elderly) 170 187.50