§ Mr. HealeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will set out the terms of reference of each of the reviews in which the future of the income support residential care allowance is being considered; [51138]
(2) if she will list the reviews in which the future of the income support residential allowance is being considered; and when she expects each of these reviews to be completed; and when she expects to announce their conclusions. [51137]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Government have established an independent Royal Commission to consider the future funding of long-term care and to make recommendations. Issues such as benefit provision for people in residential care fall within the scope of the Royal Commission's deliberations. The Royal Commission will report at the end of the year.
597WWe have also asked officials to consider whether the residential allowance is meeting objectives for community care. This is not a formal review with specific terms of reference and work is at an early stage. It is too early to give an indication as to whether, or when, changes will be introduced.