§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department last(a) reviewed and (b) uprated the amount payable to people in residential and nursing homes in the form of pocket money; and what would its current value be if it had been uprated in line with (i) prices and (ii) earnings, in each year since it was last set. [110921]
§ Mr. BayleyThe level of the personal expenses allowance (PEA) paid to people in residential care and nursing homes is reviewed annually as part of the general uprating of benefits.
The current rate of PEA is £14.75. The rate from 10 April 2000 will be £15.45, which represents an increase in line with average earnings. If the allowance had been increased in line with prices the rate would have been £15.00.
Notes:
1. The figures are rounded to the nearest 5 pence at each uprating date.
789W2. For income related benefits the ROSSI index (Retail Prices Index less rent, local taxes and mortgage interest payment) as published by the Office of National Statistics.
3. Average Earnings Index Whole Economy (Non-Seasonally Adjusted) as published by the Office of National Statistics