§ Tony CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the proposed fee increases from the Department of Health to be administered by local authorities for the provision of community care. [92872]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department does not set or recommend the rates at which councils contract with residential care and nursing homes. The detail of contracting arrangements between councils and independent sector providers of care is a matter for local decision.
The Government are providing records levels of funding for social services. Resources have increased nationally by 20 per cent. in real terms between 1996–97 and 2002–03, an average real terms increase of 3 per cent. per annum.
In addition, as announced on 17 April, we are increasing the resources for personal social services by an annual average of 6 per cent. in real terms from 2003–04 to 2005–06. Local councils will be able to use the extra resources to stabilise the care home market and provide more care home places.
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§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what definitions he uses of(a) continuing care and (b) nursing care in a person's own home; and if he will make a statement. [92989]
§ Jacqui SmithGuidance to the national health service and councils on eligibility for continuing care is contained in HSC 2001/015: LAC (2001) 18, published in June 2001.
The guidance makes it clear that fully funded NHS continuing health care can be provided in a person's own home, if the individual meets the criteria and it is possible to provide the care they need in their own home. In addition, the NHS routinely provides or arranges care from registered nurses and other staff in people's own homes.