To ask the Minister of Health given it includes petrol costs which are rising to record levels, when he will revise the per hour amount allocated to independent providers of domiciliary care, currently £15.68.

On 24 November I was pleased to announce a support package of up to £23m for domiciliary care and the wider social care sector. This funding will enable employers to offer improved terms and conditions, training and career progression opportunities, and rates of pay.

There is no standard regional and/or set rate for petrol costs or mileage for domiciliary care for the Independent Sector. Individual providers, as employers, will offer a range of terms and conditions, including rates of pay and expenses, based on market conditions.