§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the definition of an "emergency alarm system" within the meaning of Schedule 1, Part 1, paragraph (c) of the draft Housing Benefit Regulation circulated under the provisions of Section 61(7) of the Social Security Act 1986.
§ The parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord SkelmersdaleThe draft regulations for the reformed housing benefits scheme ensure that compulsory charge for the emergency alarm systems installed in accommodation specifically intended for elderly, sick or disabled people will be eligible for housing benefit. "Emergency alarm system" is not defined in the regulations but it is intended that the costs of any type of alarm system provided in accommodation for elderly, sick and disabled people which enables the occupant to summon help will be eligible for benefit.