Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 April 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 April 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he has taken to improve communication between health and social services to support vulnerable people who risk losing their homes as a result of rent arrears built up during a stay in hospital; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure and ref to Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003.

Answer: Mr. Willis: :To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to improve communication between health and social services to support vulnerable people who risk losing their homes as a result of rent arrears built up during a stay in hospital; and if he will make a statement. [166518] Dr. Ladyman: :The Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003 introduced a system of notifications between National Health Service bodies and social services departments which has improved communication and co-ordination between health and social care partners at the point of discharge. In addition, since March 2003 working age patients have continued to receive their full entitlement to any incapacity benefits, Income Support, bereavement benefits, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for 52 weeks. Also pensioners continue to receive their full State Retirement Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit entitlement for 52 weeks.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 166518; 420 c413W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Discharges Arrears Hospitals Health services Evictions Older people Rents Long stay patients
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk