Introduction and policy statement
Introduction
Adult social care (unlike some health care) is not free. You are liable to pay all of your care costs unless you qualify for financial assistance. A financial assessment is completed to calculate how much you will need to contribute towards the cost of your care and support. If you choose not to have a financial assessment, you will pay the full cost of your care.
This policy explains how the Council will charge for care and support. If you are eligible for some support from the Council to meet your social care needs, you will be given a Personal Budget to arrange your support. You can take your Personal Budget in the following ways:
- as a Direct Payment (money paid to you or someone on your behalf for you to arrange care and support services that meet your needs)
- support arranged on your behalf by the Council; or
- as a mix of both (Direct Payment and arranged support)
This policy covers care and support in community settings and residential settings whicvh includes nursing.
Policy statement
The Care Act 2014 and all regulations issued under the Care Act 2014 provide a simple legal framework for charging for care and support. This charging policy applies to all adult social care services and support provided by the Council.
The policy applies from 1 April 2026 and supersedes all previous adult social care charging policies and practice before this date and for the purpose of this policy; an adult is a person aged 18 and above who is eligible for a Personal Budget from the Council. In determining a charging policy that complies with the Care Act 2014 the Council must also have due regard to the Care and Support Statutory Guidance and Annexes issued under the Care Act 2014.
This policy covers:
- the legal and regulatory context for charging
- how the Council will be as transparent and comprehensive as possible, so people know what they need to pay towards their care and support and understand any contributions they are required to make
- the different types of sevices and support that are charged for
- promoting cost effective collection methods i.e. Direct Debit
- the financial assessment process, including the appeal process
- applying charging rules so those with similar needs or services are treated the same way
The kay aims of the policy are:
- to ensure that where an adult is charged for care and support, that they are not charged more than is reasonably practicable for them to afford and pay
- for the administration of the charging policy to be cost effective and sustainable for council so that it can continue to provide services for those needing are and support in the future
- to promote wellbeing, social inclusion and support the vision for personalisation, independence, choice and control
- to encourage and enable those who wish to stay in or take up paid employment to do so
- to support carers to look after their own health and wellbeing effectively and safely and recognising their valuable contribution to society
- to be person-focused, reflecting the variety of care journeys and the variety of options available to meet people's needs