HC Deb 03 May 1990 vol 171 c651W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will consider the introduction of a graduated system of income support payments to persons in residential care, with higher levels of payment being made available to those in smaller homes, as a means of reducing the financial incentives which encourage the establishment of larger homes.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Under the new funding arrangements for community care, taking effect from April 1991, local social services authorities will have discretion to determine the fees they are prepared to meet. Accordingly we see no need to consider changing the income support rules in the way proposed.

Mr. Meacher

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if, pursuant to his answer of 23 April,Official Report, column 36, he will provide such information as is available to him on a sample basis about the shortfall in residential and nursing home fees above the income support limits.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

I refer the hon. Member to my replies to him on 4 April at column682 and to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 15 February at columns 376–78. Centrally held data on actual charges are not statistically reliable, but in the year ended August 1989 it is estimated that just over half all claimants in residential and nursing homes had fees at or below the appropriate limit.