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Department of Social Care responds to Mr Houghton regarding benefits for those in care 13 August 2010 The Department of Social Care has received a news release from Mr Houghton MHK dated yesterday concerning changes in benefits for some individuals in residential care. With effect from 1st August, the Department has introduced changes such that Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are payable as part of the fee which contributes towards the cost of care in Government run residential care homes for older people. These benefits are intended to cover the costs of care and have always been so applied for older people living in independent (i.e. private and voluntary) sector residential care. Thus this change brings the benefits and charging regime in the public sector in line with that for the independent sector homes and better reflects the true costs of providing care in the Government run homes. As a result, this change corrects an historic inequity. Political Member for Social Security Mr Bill Malarkey MHK said: “Mr Houghton has his facts wrong. He states this change is ‘inequitable’. In fact this change corrects an historic inequity between individuals in the independent sector’s care compared to the Department’s residential care. I believe it would have been indefensible if the Department had continued with the two-tier approach that was in place. This change has been subject to all due political scrutiny. It was approved by the Department (the DHSS) last year and then by Council of Ministers. The Department issued a news release on 22nd February which was issued to all Tynwald Members followed by a press conference where these matters were discussed. The necessary changes to Social Security Regulations were debated at the July sitting of Tynwald and approved on 14th July. The Department received legal advice that it was not possible to issue the letters to affected individuals prior to Tynwald approval, hence the letters were sent the following day. I am conscious that this change will be financially difficult for some individuals and I am very sympathetic to their position. That said, it was indefensible for the Department to continue with the unfair two-tier approach. The wider policy issue of the funding of long term care is a complex and emotional one. I accept it is one that warrants further debate in Tynwald and in our community. However, until such time as we can reach agreement to amend our system, it is vital for public confidence that we are seen to be treating people equitably, even if that forces us to take tough decisions.” More stories >>>
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