To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 8 May 2007, Official Report, column 153W, on NHS: allowances, in what (a) month and (b) year the level of the personal expenses allowance was set; and on what basis the level set was felt to be appropriate. (140461)

The requirement for an allowance for expenditure on personal items for those living in residential care settings originates from the National Assistance Act (NAA) 1948 - Part III (Local Authority Services), section 22(4). The National Assistance (Charges for Accommodation) Regulations 1948 set the sum for personal requirements at five shillings per week. These regulations came into force on 5 July 1948.

Due to the passage of time, it has not proved possible to establish the reasons that the level set was felt to be appropriate. Contemporary papers and reports are not available.

The 2007-08 rate of personal expenses allowances is £20.45 per week. This took effect on 9 April 2007.