§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy on the sale of homes of patients who have been taken into residential care to defray costs incurred; what consideration is given to carers who were long-term residents in such houses; and what assistance is given to carers who find themselves with no alternative accommodation or funds. [19525]
§ Mr. BowisIn the assessment of charges for residential accommodation, local authorities do not have powers to force the sale of property without first seeking a court order. Under the local authority charging regulations, local authorities are required to ignore the value of property if the residents spouse or a relative who is over 60 or under 16 or ill still lives there. They also have discretion to ignore the value in other circumstances, for example where a long-term carer or elderly companion still occupies the property. This discretion has been highlighted in guidance issued by both the Department of Health and the Scottish Office.