AQW 38229/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/01/2026
Answered On Date: 29/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the review of Personal Expenses Allowance for patients in a residential care home.

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 current rate for the PEA is £34.10. My Department will notify Trusts of any change in the rate of personal expenses by way of an issued circular. The PEA amount is the same for each resident, whether in a Trust managed home or an independent sector home.

The annual review of the PEA will conclude in March 2026 and any amendments will take effect from 6 April 2026.

The CRAG circular for 2026/27 advising of the revised PEA will be circulated and made available on the Department's external website on completion of the review.