§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what current instructions he has issued to local authorities on the effects of means testing of those patients in need of long-term care on caring spouses and family; and if he will make a statement. [9118]
§ Mr. BowisThe most recent guidance to local authorities was issued in December in circular LAC(95)21, and an amendment to the charging for residential accommodation guide was issued at the same time, advising local authorities that they should consider use of their discretion where a married resident in residential accommodation is the main recipient of a couple's income at the point when a financial assessment is made, and also advises what factors and circumstances should he taken into account. Copies of the circular and the charging for residential accommodation guide are available in the Library. The Government intend to change the regulations with effect from April 1996 so that local authorities will he required to disregard half of the occupational pension of a resident whose spouse remains at home.