Charging for social care services

Most of the money that local authorities spend on social care services comes from Central Government. But when calculating how much money to give for social care services, the Government assumes that local authorities themselves will raise some money by charging for services.

 

 

There are national rules which require everyone who moves permanently into a residential or nursing home to pay towards the cost of their care. This payment is often referred to as a statutory charge.

 

 

We charge for other social care services and these charges are approved by Councillors. The money raised from these charges ensures that we can provide more services for people in need.

 

For a list of the services we charge for, please see our leaflet 'Will I have to pay for the help I receive?'

 

 

We do not charge for information and advice. There is also no charge for carrying out an assessment to decide how much help may be needed or for arranging services.

 

 

If an individual is entitled to a service, a financial assessment will be undertaken to decide how much he or she should pay towards the cost of the service. We provide help to those people who are in greatest need. Help will not be withheld because a person is unable to pay.

 

 

If you are receiving a service but feel uncertain about the financial side or, you would like more specific information about charges, then you should contact your care manager who will be able to advise you.

 

 

For general enquiries and further information about our charges for social care services you can contact our Duty Officer on 0118 974 6800.