HC Deb 01 March 1991 vol 186 c661W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provision exists for those who have to leave residential or nursing homes because their income, including income support, is inadequate to meet the fees charged.

Miss Widdecombe

Local authorities have a responsibility to make arrangements for providing residential accommodation for persons who by reason of age, infirmity or any other circumstances are in need of care and attention which is not otherwise available to them. District health authorities are empowered to enter into contractual arrangements with private healthcare establishments, such as nursing homes, for the treatment of NHS patients.