§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those areas in which(a) there is a shortage of places in care homes at the price the local council wants to pay and (b) there are so many spare places available that a council can buy all the places it needs at a rate lower than the rate at which many providers wish to trade. [142968]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 9 December 2003]: I made this general statement based upon conversations my officials have had with some councils and independent providers. However, I would not be surprised if every council felt there was a shortage of places at the price they wanted to pay. And I would not be surprised if in every council area there are some providers who feel they are faced with a price that is below the level at which they wish to trade. Our aim must be to create a market place that is felt to be fair by commissioners and providers of services alike.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many self-funding residents were in(a) residential care homes and (b) nursing homes on the last date for which figures are available. [144292]
§ Dr. LadymanThere were 42,000 self-funders receiving national health service-funded nursing care in nursing homes in England in December 2002. Further details can be found on the Department's website at: www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/nhsfundednursingcare Information regarding the number of self-funders in residential care homes is not kept centrally.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average weekly cost to self-funding residents in residential care and nursing homes was in the last period for which figures are available. [144293]
§ Dr. LadymanInformation regarding the average weekly cost to self-funding residents in residential and nursing homes is not kept centrally. Fees levels for self-funders are a matter negotiated between the care home and the individual requiring care, or their representive.