§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the financial impact that(a) the national minimum wage, (b) the working time directive and (c) the increase in registration fees will have on nursing and residential homes. [99050]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Low Pay Commission has been asked to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage. The Commission has undertaken a consultation and fact-finding exercise during which it paid particular attention to the effect on low-paying sectors, including social care. The Government are due to receive the Commission's report in December and will then carefully consider its findings.
A regulatory impact appraisal on the costs and benefits for business generally resulting from the implementation of the Working Times Regulations was made, copies of which are available in the Library.
We will carefully consider the financial impact of increases in regulatory fees on residential and nursing homes before implementing any increase.