Website of the Department of Health
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Charging for social care
Charging for social care is not a new development. People have always had to pay for, or contribute towards, the cost of social care. Today there are different arrangements for charging for residential care and non-residential care that take into account the individual needs and situation of the person requiring care.
Local authorities are responsible for deciding what to charge
The relevant local authority is responsible for interpreting and applying the regulations and guidelines in order to decide what to charge. Unfortunately the Department of Health cannot comment on individual cases.
Anyone who is unhappy with a local authority’s changing assessment should complain through the authority’s statutory social services complaints procedure. If the procedure does not resolve the complaint, the person can ask the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate.
Charging for residential care
Capital assets and income are taken into account when assessing charges for residential care. Legislation and guidance is in place to encourage a fair and consistent approach.
Charging for non-residential care
Charges for non-residential social care are at the discretion of local authorities. Statutory guidance is in place that seeks to ensure that all charges are fair.
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