§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on the number of local authorities which have introduced new systems of paying for domiciliary services which take into account a person's attendance/disability allowance in the financial assessment; what guidance he has issued to the Benefits Agency in respect of the introduction of these new systems and if both existing and new claimants are being warned or compensated in regard to new deductions that will occur. [35324]
§ Mr. Andrew MitchellPayment of attendance allowance and the care component of disability living allowance is not affected by any charges that a local authority might make for domiciliary services. This is not a matter, therefore, on which it would be appropriate to issue guidance to the Benefits Agency. Information about the number of local authorities whose financial assessments take into account attendance allowance or the care component of disability living allowance is not collected centrally by the Department of Health.