§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate for each local authority how many residents in(a) nursing homes and under 65-years-old, (b) nursing homes and over 65-years-old, (c) residential care and under 65-years-old and (d) residential care and over 65-years-old, will be covered by preserved rights in April 2003.[10507]
§ Mr. McCartneyThere will be no residents covered by preserved rights in April 2003. From 8 April 2002 people who had preserved rights to the higher rates of income support and all new customers going into residential care or nursing homes will receive normal income support or minimum income guarantee allowances and premiums.
No one will lose out as a result of these changes as local authorities will be able to make up any shortfalls in fees. At the moment about half of all preserved rights customers do not have enough public support to cover their fees. Many have to pay some of their personal expenses allowance, currently £16.05 a week, towards their fees. The new arrangements will mean customers will no longer have to do this.