Hi,

Am looking to try and clarify the postion regarding the above. Situation is that we have some properties where the meals are provided to the residents. We have calculated the cost for providing these meals and have provided this information (including details of how the costs were calculated) to the local authority.

The figure we have provided for meal costs works out to be £3.00 per week less than the DWP standard deductions.

The local authority are not prepared to use the figures we have provided and are insisting on using the DWP standard deductions which means that our residents (or those receiving HB) are in effect £3.00 per week worse off.

Are the local authority correct in what they are saying or should they be using the figures that we have supplied them with?

Any comments/advice/guidance would be appreciated

Regards

John

Unlike other service costs, the ineligible amounts for meals are set in stone - para 2 of Schedule 1 of the HB regs. The LA has no discretion.

This being so, (and as usual Kevin's reply is spot on), your organisation is making £3 per week profit per resident on the food bills, wouldn't it be equitable to increase the amount spent on food?

Or include a glass of wine on Saturdays?