Oral Answers to Questions

Angela Watkinson Excerpts

Monday 2nd February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

The right hon. Gentleman makes a fair point about how important working smoke alarms and CO₂ detectors can be in saving lives. We will respond to the consultation in due course.

[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.