PLANS to charge for adult social care are being looked at by Hampshire County Council.
The council’s executive member for adult social care, Councillor Liz Fairhurst, will consider on Friday, October 21, changes to the way users pay for adult social care support.
She will consider bringing in three changes that will see some of those who need care but don’t pay for it at the moment being billed.
It is proposed that those who need two home visit carers and have been assessed as being able to pay for them, at the moment only one is charged for, will have to meet the cost of both.
Currently residents in council run care homes that go on holiday, or are away from the home for a period of time, perhaps in hospital, don’t have to pay care charges, but is being suggested that in future they should do.
The final potential charge is for those who are in care but still have homes that they rent out. The council is looking at taking a percentage of the rental income to help cover a residents care home costs
Cllr Fairhurst said: “Government funding has roughly halved in recent years with ongoing reductions, so we are having to make some difficult decisions about the services we provide, and the way care is funded in future.
“The proposals aim to help the authority offset some of the cost of providing support, by charging in a way that is fair and equitable for all those who use its services.”
Her review of the proposals comes after a ten week consultation, in which 3,000 people took part.
Cllr Fairhurst added: “When considering the recommendations, I will wish to review the consultation responses from the public, and ensure that any changes to the way in which adult social care is charged for in Hampshire, are appropriate and fair.
But even if the recommendations are approved, people unable to afford to pay anything towards their care will continue to receive their care for free.
More information about the public consultation and recommendations are available on the council website www.hants.gov.uk.