Why is the charging policy changing?
We have reviewed the charging policy to make it fairer, based on people’s ability to pay rather than the type of service. We also need to make sure the policy is fit for the future as people move towards personal budgets and more choice and control over the services they want and need.
Many other councils across the country are charging more for care services. Lincolnshire has previously charged very little compared to other authorities and we cannot keep doing this, especially in the present financial climate. But we want to protect the most vulnerable, those who can’t afford to pay.
In light of this review the Council’s charging policy has been amended and will mean some people will be asked to pay something where previously they have had free services, and some people will be asked to pay more because the way we work out the cost of services and the maximum charge has changed.
The new charges, whilst higher, are still less than the cost to the council of providing support and the council’s policy complies with government guidance on charging. If you want to raise concerns then write to our Complaints Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, Orchard House, Orchard Street, Lincoln, LN1 1BA.
Money which the council receives from charging is invested back into care services to ensure that more people are helped to live at home.
What do you mean by a personal budget?
A personal budget is an agreed amount which has been allocated to an individual following an assessment of their needs. It provides the assessed person with the ability to purchase services themselves. All people requiring care services will move towards personal budgets as this is a national initiative.
If you have a personal budget it provides greater flexibility and choice in terms of the care and support you are able to access, instead the cost is based on 90% of your personal budget.
Will I have to pay more under the new charging policy?
If you have had a financial assessment and you currently pay nothing or you only make a contribution towards the cost of your care and support it is unlikely that you will be affected by these changes unless your financial circumstances change. Otherwise, we will look at your capital and savings and your income and expenses and work out if you can afford to make a contribution which is fair and reasonable.
What are the main changes?
Previously some services were free based on the type of service you received. Now you will be assessed on your ability to pay rather on the type of service you receive. Now, people who were previously receiving free services may be asked to pay something based on their ability to pay - their income.
The way we work out how much to charge for services is also changing. Under the new policy we will charge against 90% of the actual cost rather than 82%. The council will subsidise at least the other 10%.
If you have over £23,250 in capital or savings then you will be assessed to pay either 90% of the cost of your care or the new maximum charge of £250 per week. The new maximum charge is around the average of what councils around the country have in place - there are many more who charge more.
What do I do if I can’t afford to pay?
If you feel you cannot pay your assessed charge please contact us - we will offer support. Phone the number at the top of the letter and we will arrange for you to speak to someone who will discuss with you what affect paying your contribution will have.
You have the right to ask for a review of your assessed charge at any time. Where the assessed charge may lead to financial hardship we will review the fairness of the charge in light of your individual circumstances. You also have the right to appeal any charge decision and you have a right to an independent advocate to support you through the process.
No new charges will be brought in for you until any appeals or re-assessments have been fully looked at and completed.
How do I pay my charge?
If you receive a Direct Payment you will be asked to set up a separate bank account from which you can pay for any services or support that has been agreed under your support plan i.e. we give you the cash and you buy your own support. The Direct Payment will be given to you less your contribution. E.g. if your Direct Payment is £50 per week and your contribution is £5 per week we will pay £45 into your Direct Payment bank account and you will pay £5 into it.
If you would like us to arrange your services for you we will ask you to pay your contribution either by Direct Debit from your bank account or by All Pay card which you can use to make a payment at places like the Post Office.
When you have your financial assessment we will discuss with you how to pay and provide information and assistance.
I no longer receive any care from the Council. Why have you written to me?
We apologise for having written to you. If you ring us on the number at the top of the letter we will ensure that we amend our records so we do not write to you again.
I want to reduce my care
We would not advise anyone to reduce the amount of care they are assessed as needing as a result of these changes. If you feel that you will have difficulty paying your charge then please contact us and we will arrange for someone to discuss your situation in more detail with you.
What will I be charged if I am only receiving services through the Supporting People Programme?
If you qualify for housing benefit you will not have to pay for services provided through Supporting People Programme. The Supporting People team will pay your housing provider for your support. Please ask your support provider to tell us if you receive Housing Benefit.
If you don’t qualify for housing benefit the council can still offer you a financial assessment, and if you are not receiving social care and support, it is unlikely you will be substantially affected by the changes to the charging policy. Please ask your support provider to let us know if you would like a financial assessment or contact Customer Services Centre - please see further information below.
If I don’t agree with the charge can I Appeal?
You have the right to ask for a review of your assessed charge at any time. Where the assessed charge may lead to financial hardship we will review the fairness of the charge in light of your individual circumstances.
You also have the right to appeal any charge decision to a panel of senior managers and representatives from independent organisations. You have a right to an independent advocate to support you through the process.
Further help and advice
If you would like to talk to someone about Adult Charging, please contact the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782190.
If you would like someone not connected with the council to support you, or to speak up for you if you wish to challenge or query any aspect of the new policy, the following organisation provides independent advocacy:
Total Voice, a service provided by VoiceAbility 01522 706597 www.voiceability.org
Alternative Formats: If you would like a copy of this letter in large print, Braille, audio or Makaton or in another language please contact us by ringing 01522 782190
