§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what regulations govern the administration and use of the pocket money element in the board-and-lodging allowance;
(2) what steps his Department has taken to ensure the pocket money allowance in the board-and-lodging allowance is not used to top up fees paid to private residential establishments.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardApplicable amounts payable for persons in independent residential care and nursing homes are prescribed by the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987, as amended. They include an amount in respect of personal expenses which is at present £10.05 each week. The regulations do not prescribe how that allowance is to be used, as this is a matter for the claimant.