To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is given to his Department's offices and income support sections on treatment of the capital values of homes for those who are unavoidably absent in order to tend relatives receiving invalid care allowance and attendance allowance; and if he will place a copy of that guidance on the record.

The capital value of a person's home is completely disregarded under income support, even though he or she may be temporarily living elsewhere. Guidance on this matter is contained in the adjudication officer's guide paragraphs 27717, 27720.4, 30202.1 and 30211. A copy of the AOG is in the Library.