Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Pickles and Angela Watkinson

Monday 2nd February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State discuss with his Cabinet colleague the Secretary of State for Health the rules of ordinary residence for people in care homes? The London borough of Havering picks up financial responsibility for a large number of self-funding residents who come from out-borough. Would it not be fairer if the rule of ordinary residence relied on the address where that person last lived?

[Mr Pickles]

I am aware of that problem, which I think is most acute in my hon. Friend’s constituency. As we move into April, the better care fund—which is a mechanism not just for funding, but for better co-ordination—should help. Residence should be taken into consideration as a whole and a proper care package should be worked out individually for each person. I hope that that helps my hon. Friend.

Winter Floods

Debate between Lord Pickles and Angela Watkinson

Thursday 6th February 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Pickles]

The hon. Gentleman makes a reasonable point about the railways. We recognise that they are an important economic asset. I know that it is something that the Prime Minister personally is very concerned about, and arrangements are being made as we speak.

[Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con)]

What discussions have been held or are planned with the insurance industry to reassure people with properties in flood-risk areas?

[Mr Pickles]

We regularly talk to the insurance industry. The Water Bill will go some way towards providing reassurance. Its passage through Parliament will show that we have agreed to continue to abide by the commitments under the 2008 statement of principles. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall, has just whispered to me that if my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch and Upminster (Dame Angela Watkinson) has a particular point in mind, he would be happy to deal with it.