HC Deb 12 March 2002 vol 381 cc1026-7W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residents of nursing homes are receiving payments under the Government's new scheme for funding part of nursing care for the elderly. [8832]

Jacqui Smith

I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

The survey of health authorities carried out in June 2001 identified 42,700 people in nursing homes responsible for paying all their care costs from their own resources.

By the end of February 2002, 95 per cent. had had their needs determined by a national health service nurse and the remainder should be completed by the end of March.

All payments will be effective from 1 October 2001 or whenever the person became eligible for NHS funded care.