AQW 27557/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/05/2025
Answered On Date: 06/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has assessed whether the £27.19 per week Personal Expenses Allowance for residents living in residential care is sufficient.

Answer:

The Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA) rate is specified in the annual Charging for Residential Accommodation Guide (CRAG) circular. This amount is reviewed each year and is generally uplifted in line with the increase in Northern Ireland Average Earnings. The Department will notify Trusts of any change in the rate of personal expenses. The amount is the same for each resident, whether in a Trust managed home or an independent sector home.

Based on the increase in Northern Ireland average earnings, I have agreed to uplift the PEA from £32.69 to £34.10 per week with effect from 7th April 2025.

The CRAG circular for 2025/26 advising of the revised PEA has been circulated and is available on the Department's external website.