Home care charges consultation

Throughout the country, more people with more complex needs require social care support than has been the case before. It is expected that this trend will continue.

This is also the case in Hammersmith and Fulham. In 2008/09, it is estimated that adults social care will require approximately £1,271,000 more than there is in the budget to meet the needs of those who, at the current threshold, are eligible for social care. This figure rises to £1,375,000 by 2010/11.

One way in which the council might meet the pressures on adults social care is to charge service users for home care. Ninety seven percent of councils with social services responsibilities charge service users for home care. The council is consulting on a proposal to charge service users £12.40 per hour for home care. It is estimated that a charge set at this rate would result in an annual income of £1,287,568. There would be a cost of approximately £60,000 a year to collect this income plus £20,000 a year for additional welfare benefits advice.

We have tried to cover all the detailed questions you might have in our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The council would like to know what you think about service user charges for home care. In particular, the council would like your views on:

• The proposed scheme of charging including
  - What a reasonable hourly charge might be
  - Whether there should be a maximum charge per week 
  - How best to assess people for charging
• Whether there are any groups of people who would be particularly affected
• How the council could minimise the impact of charging for home care.           

How to have your say

• Consultation questionnaires are available by emailing HomeCare@lbhf.gov.uk or phoning Tracey Harding or Angela Jenkinson on 020 8753 5415. Completed questionnaires must be returned by April 14th 2008.
• You can ask a Council staff member, a family member or a friend or to help you complete the questionnaire.
• You can have your say online by using our CitizenSpace Local consultation system (opens new window), by May 11th 2008. 
• Consultation events - you can express your views at one of the home care charging consultation events.           

Further details can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page or on www.lbhf.gov.uk.

For further information or if you would like a copy of this information in an alternative format please either email HomeCare@lbhf.gov.uk or telephone Tracey Harding or Angela Jenkinson on 020 8753 5415.