§ Sir Michael ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to provide additional funds for the provision of places in registered extra care houses managed by the Abbeyfield Society; and if he will make a statement. [37892]
§ Mr. Roger EvansAbbeyfield Society residents who were living in care homes on 31 March 1993 have preserved rights to the higher levels of income support for290W residential and nursing care. These levels are reviewed each year as part of the normal uprating exercise and were last increased in April 1996. Increases above the rate of inflation—Rossi index—were made to the limits for elderly and very dependent elderly people in residential care homes.
People who enter Abbeyfield extra care homes since April 1993 can seek assistance from local authorities with the cost of their care under the community care arrangements. Normal rates of income support including a residential allowance are available to such residents. These rates are similarly reviewed each year.