To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will set a timetable for the extension of direct payments made in lieu of social services provision to people who are currently ineligible. (82251)

The Government are exploring ways to extend direct payments to those currently excluded, by using an agent for those without capacity to consent, or unable to manage even with assistance. There will need to be legislative changes to enable this to happen and we will make these as soon as parliamentary time allows.