§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what length of lease is required in the establishment of a care home trust to satisfy his Department that the home is truly independent.
§ Mr. ScottIn determining entitlement to income support, the adjudication officer has no regard to the length of lease under which the independent home was established.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims for income support by residents of care home trusts have so far been refused by his Department; and what were the main reasons for refusal.
§ Mr. ScottThis information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether residents of local authority care homes which have been redesignated under schedule 8 of the National Health Service Act 1977 are entitled to claim housing benefit and income support.
§ Mr ScottPeople whose accommodation is provided under this legislation may claim income support up to an amount equivalent to the current basic rate of retirement pension to meet the minimum charge for the accommodation. They are not entitled to housing benefit.