HC Deb 03 December 1993 vol 233 cc801-2W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each local authority the maximum payments made towards the cost of(a) residential care and (b) nursing care.

Mr. Bowis

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to amend current legislation to give a statutory right to community health councils to visit nursing and residential homes and to provide additional resources to community health councils to carry out this role; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Mawhinney

Community health councils already have a statutory right under the law to visit premises controlled by district health authorities. We have no plans to introduce legislation to give CHCs the statutory right to visit residential homes.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the current guidelines to local authorities for the provision of residential care when an elderly relative lives in a different local authority to his or her family and wishes to be located in accommodation within that family's local authority area.

Mr. Bowis

We have issued a statutory direction requiring local authorities to place people in the home of their choice in England and Wales subject to certain practical limitations such as costs, suitability and availability. The original direction was contained in circular LAC (92) 27 which was issued on 23 December 1992. Circular LAC (93) 18, was issued in August 1993. Copies of the two circulars are available in the Library.

Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received from the Audit Commission concerning payments made by health authorities and trusts to private nursing and residential care homes relating to the provision of nursing and care to former hospital in-patients.

Mr. Sackville

Earlier this year the Audit Commission brought to the attention of the national health service management executive concerns raised by a number of appointed auditors that payments made by some health bodies may not be in accordance with their legal powers. Those cases are being investigated, and where appropriate the executive will ensure that the position is regularised.