HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc308-9W
Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to help residents of care and nursing homes who pay their own fees from civil service pensions cope with the increases to their fees above inflation. [57137]

Jacqui Smith

If self-funding residents of care homes have insufficient income to pay their own fees they may approach their local authority for advice and possible financial assistance. In considering whether or not to provide financial support, and the extent of that support, local authorities should refer to the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of the changes of national insurance contribution on the care home sector; and what estimates he has made of the increased costs to care homes following the increase in national insurance contributions by(a) employers and (b) employees. [57181]

Jacqui Smith

It is estimated that the changes to employers and employees' national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will increase pay costs on average by 0.7 per cent. next year.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the success of the long-term relationship between social services and the independent care home sector following the launch of the(a) concordat, (b) building capacity, (c) joint funding and (d) change agent arrangement initiatives; and if he will make a statement. [57189]

Jacqui Smith

Our long-term care policy has led to more constructive partnerships between social services and the independent health and social care sectors. This is already bringing about better outcomes for patients and service users by delivering speedier and more flexible services to individuals, positively using the plurality of providers within our system. This is true for short-term services such as intermediate care as well as residential and nursing care. We are supporting these changes in many ways, including a substantial increase in the funding for personal social services and additional money and assistance through the change agents team-working with individual councils.

Mr. Hawkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on(a) local authorities and (b) other care home owners imposing charges on residents for services which were intended to be free of charge under the Health and Social Care Act 2001. [58029]

Jacqui Smith

From 1 October 2001, the national health service has taken on responsibility for the funding of care from a registered nurse for all care home residents who, prior to that, paid for all or part of that care.

From 1 April 2003, the NHS, rather than local authorities, will become responsible for funding the care from a registered nurse for residents who are currently supported by local authorities.