HC Deb 24 October 1996 vol 284 cc8-10W
Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he proposes to establish a partnership scheme for long-term care. [389]

Mr. Dorrell

The Government remain committed to the proposals for a partnership scheme set out in the consultation paper "A New Partnership for Care in Old Age", copies of which are available in the Library. In the light of responses to the consultation paper, they also intend to legislate to allow residents in care homes to "top up" the care arranged by their local authorities.

The Government intend to introduce a Bill as soon as legislative time is available. In the meantime, they are discussing the details of legislation with the financial services industry, representatives of local authorities, and other interested parties. They will publish a draft Bill, and a statement of their policy in the light of comments on the consultation paper, in the new year.