§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will assess the impact of the uprating of nurses' salaries on the costs of providing nursing home care;
264W(2) what evidence he has that the fees paid through income support are sufficient to allow voluntary nursing homes to meet the costs of providing appropriate care;
(3) whether he will consider making more frequent upratings of income support levels for people in residential nursing homes.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe level of charges in a home is primarily a matter between the residents and the owners of the home to agree on based on the services being provided.
The Government receive evidence on the adequacy of income support, the level of fees and the factors governing costs in homes from a number of sources, including home owners and their representatives; and review the limits annually.
More frequent upratings are not necessary. The Government take account of annual changes in reviewing the limits.
§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of voluntary nursing homes which have closed because of difficulties in meeting the costs of care through fees paid by income support.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe Department does not collect figures on the closure of independent nursing homes.
§ Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence he has received from the Brendoncare Foundation of the financial difficulties in providing nursing care for elderly residents.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have received representations from a number of hon. Members who have forwarded correspondence from the Brendoncare Foundation about the levels of help available through income support for people in nursing homes. The foundation has also been in direct correspondence with us.