§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been given to local authorities regarding the placement of contracts for the residential nursing care of the elderly with establishments outside individual local authority boundaries.
§ Mr. YeoThe White Paper "Caring for People", (Cm. 849), made it clear that under arrangements to be introduced from 1 April 1993 people assessed by local authorities as requiring nursing home care will, subject to the availability of resources, be able to seek a place in an establishment in another authority's area. Where the cost of that home would be more than the authority would normally be willing to fund individuals, or their relatives, may agree to pay the difference. Subsequent guidance has emphasised the need to take full account of individual's preferences in making placements in residential care and nursing homes.