§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the draft regulations under the Social Security Act which provide that the cost of alarm systems for elderly, sick or disabled persons living in non-purpose built accommodation will no longer be eligible for housing benefit; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. PortilloI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing) on 21 October 1987 at column800.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of people living in accommodation not specifically intended for and occupied by elderly, sick, or disabled persons who receive assistance through housing benefit towards the cost of an alarm system.
§ Mr. PortilloI regret that we do not have a reliable basis on which such an estimate could be made.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether a proportion of the community care budget of the social fund will be allocated specifically to the provision of grants to meet the cost of emergency alarms for elderly and disabled people living in accommodation not specifically intended for occupation by elderly, sick or disabled persons.
§ Mr. PortilloNo. The cost of alarms is not met under existing supplementary benefit single payment regulations and we do not intend to make specific provision for this under the social fund. Housing benefit (or, for owner-occupiers, income support) may be available in certain circumstances to help with the running costs. Local authorities have powers to supply and meet the costs of alarms for elderly, sick or disabled people.