§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the ability of a local authority to impose social care charges upon an individual living at home who is receiving prescribed medical treatment. [19902]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 30 November 2001]: Local councils have discretion whether to charge for home care or other non-residential social services for a person living at home. Services for which the national health service has underlying responsibility, are free at the point of use, except where there are specific charging powers, such as those for NHS prescriptions.