Have your say on proposed changes to Adult Social Care Fees
A consultation on proposed changes to make adult social care fees and charges fairer is being launched by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Residents are being asked for their views on introducing fees for services such as deferred payment agreements which allows a person to delay paying some or all the costs of their long-term care, and the management of deceased estates.
The Council is also seeking views on proposals to introduce fees for the Council's appointeeship service which is provided to individuals who are unable to manage their own financial affairs and where there is no suitable family member or other appropriate person able to act on their behalf.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet approved the principle of introducing a new Adult Social Care Charging Policy subject to a Borough-wide public consultation at its meeting on May 14.
The proposals aim to ensure people with social care needs are not charged more than they can afford, that charging is applied consistently and that the costs of administering specialised financial services are shared fairly, in line with other local authorities.
Councillor Pauline Beall, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: "Adult social care remains one of our key priorities, and it's important that our approach to charging is fair and consistent.
"We're starting a consultation to ask residents for their views on introducing fees for services such as deferred payment agreements, which allows a person to delay paying some or all the costs of their long-term care, and the management of deceased estates.
"We are also seeking views on proposals to introduce fees for the Council's appointeeship service which is provided to individuals who are unable to manage their own financial affairs and where there is no suitable family member or other appropriate person able to act on their behalf.
"Before any changes are made, we want to hear people's views so that we can take them into account as part of the decision-making process so please do share your thoughts through the consultation. Accessible formats of the consultation will be available and there will be in person events to support people to have their say."
The consultation survey is available on the Council's website at the dedicated webpage and there will be a series of drop-in sessions across the Borough where people can find out more about the proposals and share their views:
- Stockton Central Library, 23 July 3-5pm
- Allensway Day Services, 30 July 3:30-4:30pm
- LiveWell Hub, 31 July 1-3pm
- Billingham Library, 24 July 1-3pm
Paper copies of the survey will be available at the drop-in sessions and in the Borough's libraries.
Anyone wishing to discuss the consultation and proposed changes can also call a dedicated helpline on 01642 526600.
