Outcome of the public consultation on changes to charges for older people's day services

On 8 August, Cabinet agreed to increase a range of charges for older people who use the county council's own day services and who pay 'full cost'.   

Having considered carefully the consultation responses, Cabinet will introduce 50% of the planned increase from 1 October 2019, with the remaining 50% being introduced on 1 April 2020. This will give people affected more time to consider whether to pursue other service options and to allow time for them to plan financially in the context of the increase in pension payments due in April 2020.

The initial increase from 1 October will be as follows:

• from £31.30 to £34.40 per full day for older people to use the council's day services
• from £35 to £38 per full day for older people to use the council's day services with transport to and from the centres (where transport is available)
• from £54.75 to £60.15 for older people who have dementia to use the council's day services, reflecting the additional staff costs to support them to attend and take part; and
• from £58 to £63.50 for people who need additional support for dementia to use the council's day services with transport to and from the centres (where transport is available).

The remaining increase (along with a further increase to allow for inflation) will be introduced from 1 April 2020 as follows when Government pensions are due to rise:

• from £34.40 to £37.45 per full day for older people to use the council's day services
• from £38 to £41 per full day for older people to use the council's day services with transport to and from the centres (where transport is available)
• from £60.15 to £65.50 per full day for older people who have dementia to use the council's day services, reflecting the additional staff costs to support them to attend and take part; and
• from £63.50 to £69 per full day for people who need additional support for dementia to use the council's day services with transport to and from the centres (where transport is available).

From 2020/21 onwards, the charges will be reviewed each year and adjusted to reflect the actual cost of delivery of the council's day services.

For more information view the report to Cabinet 8 August 2019.