§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate he has made of the number of claimants in care homes who have lost benefit during leave periods through the incorrect interpretation of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulation, schedule 7 and paragraph 7(1)(a);
(2) when he intends to issue new guidelines to adjudication officers with regard to their interpretation of the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations, schedule 7, paragraph 7(1)(a) concerning benefit payments to care home residents during leave periods.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo such estimate has been made. The regulation is clear in its intention and it is for the independent adjudication officer to determine the correct application in each case. We are looking at the implications of this regulation for people in certain circumstances in residential care and nursing homes.