The capital limits for means testing for local authority support in care homes is to increase in Eng...
The capital limits for means testing for local authority support in care homes is to increase in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 7 April 2003. The limits in Scotland are to remain the same with the lower limit set at £11,500 and the upper threshold at £18,500.
Changes in England and Northern Ireland will see the lower capital limit raised from £11,750 to £12,000 and the higher capital limit from £19,000 to £19,500. The increase in Wales is slightly higher than the rest of the UK at £12,250 and £20,000 for lower and upper limits, respectively.
NHS contribution towards nursing care costs in nursing homes will also rise in England from 1 April 2003. Payable in three bands, costs will increase from £35 to £40 in the lower band, from £70 to £75 in the middle band and from £110 to £120 in the higher band. There has been no indication that the £100 flat rate applied in Northern Ireland and Wales will change.
Commenting on the in- creases, Chris Ellicott, legal and technical manager at Age Concern Financial Partnerships, said: 'The changes are not likely to make a huge difference to people in long term care ' about £5 to £10 extra. And it is more than likely the increase will simply be absorbed in the cost of care homes.'
