PERSONAL EXPENSE ALLOWANCE REVIEW AND CONSULTATION

That this House believes that over a quarter of a million of the poorest older people living in care homes are entitled to a dignified level of income; notes that under national means-testing rules, these people part with their only source of income, their pensions, to pay towards their care home fees; further notes that normally all they are left with is a personal expenses allowance of £21.15 a week, which will rise by 75 pence in April 2009; further notes that in January 2008 the hon. Member for Bury South, when he served as Minister for Care, promised this House a full review and consultation on the level of the allowance; further notes that the personal expenses allowance is expected to cover the cost of all personal items not covered by the care package agreed by the local authority, including clothes, toiletries, social activities and other items; regrets that the Government has broken its promise to consult; and calls on the Government to recognise the representations of Age Concern and others and to increase the personal expenses allowance for people living in residential care who receive state support to at least £40 per week.