Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has for transferring the administration of Attendance Allowance to local authorities; and if he will make a statement.
The Business Rate Retention consultation published by the Department for Communities and Local Government sought views on a wide variety of financial measures for Local Authorities in England including giving greater support for older people with care needs through local provision. The responses to this consultation are currently being considered and the Government will issue its response in due course.
The Government recognises the valuable role that Attendance Allowance has played in supporting older people with care needs as a result of their disability or long term health condition. Should changes be considered to the support currently provided by Attendance Allowance as part of any Business Rate Retention package, a further detailed consultation would be undertaken on this specific issue and we would involve key stakeholders in this process.