§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the additional resources he proposes to make available to social services authorities in England will fully reimburse the costs those authorities will incur as a result of the proposals relating to the treatment of capital for those in long-term residential care and nursing homes announced in November 1995; [16800]
(2) if he will monitor actual expenditure incurred by social services authorities in order to meet the requirements of the proposals relating to the treatment of capital for all people in long-term residential care and nursing homes announced in November 1995; and if he will make available additional funding to meet any shortfall between the resources provided for authorities and the expenditure they actually incur. [16802]
§ Mr. BowisWe are currently discussing with local authority representatives the resources to be made available in respect of the changes in the treatment of capital. Decisions will be announced shortly.
§ Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he intends to raise the thresholds for treatment of capital for people in long-term residential care and nursing homes in future years. [16801]
§ Mr. BowisWe have already announced such an increase to come into effect on 8 April. Thereafter, the levels will be kept under review.