HC Deb 19 January 1988 vol 125 cc680-1W
Mr. Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to make the levels of board and lodging allowance for the mentally handicapped more flexible to take account of the variety of support needs of the mentally handicapped: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

Supplementary benefit assistance with residential care and nursing home fees does not, and was never intended to, provide help with all levels of needs. It is not the only source of support for mentally handicapped people. Health and local authorities have powers and duties to help where particular needs arise.

Sir Roy Griffiths has been asked to conduct an overview of community care and to make recommendations on the most effective use of public resources. His conclusions are expected shortly.

Mr. Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to ensure that the growth in board and lodging allowances for the mentally handicapped will allow for inflation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

People in homes for the mentally handicapped who are entitled to supplementary benefit (from next April income support) can receive help in full with any increase in charges, subject to national limits on the overall weekly charge which can be met, which from next April will be £200 per week (nursing homes) and £160 per week (residential care homes). This represents increases of 14 per cent. and 19 per cent. respectively since April 1985 when the present system was introduced, reflecting the fact that we already take movements in homes' costs and charges into account when setting limits. The increase in the retail prices index since April 1985 has been 9 per cent.