Wirral Council has initiated a public consultation on a proposal that could increase the cost of adult social care for some residents. The plan involves aligning local charges with national guidelines, which may result in higher weekly contributions for individuals receiving care services.
The proposed changes focus on removing a decade-old discretionary subsidy and adjusting charges to meet the government's Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG). The council states that financial pressures make the current subsidy increasingly difficult to sustain.
Key Takeaways
- Wirral Council is consulting on raising adult social care charges for some users.
- The proposal would remove a discretionary allowance that has been in place for over 10 years.
- Affected residents could see their weekly contributions increase by £2 to £50, depending on their circumstances.
- The council will offer financial assessments to help residents claim all eligible benefits.
- A public consultation is open until Tuesday, November 11, for residents to provide feedback.
Understanding the Proposed Changes
Wirral Council is considering a significant adjustment to how it calculates contributions for adult social care. The core of the proposal is to remove a discretionary financial buffer that the authority has provided for more than a decade.
This local subsidy has meant that Wirral residents have been charged less than the maximum amount allowed under national rules. The council now proposes to bring its charging policy in line with the government's standard framework.
What is the Discretionary Allowance?
For the past 10 years, Wirral Council has voluntarily applied a discretionary allowance, effectively subsidising care costs for some residents. This meant individuals were left with more disposable income than the national minimum requirement. The council is now reviewing the sustainability of this local policy amid rising financial pressures.
If the plan is approved, charges will be based on the nationally set Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG). This is the amount of money the government determines a person needs for their daily living expenses after paying for care.
Potential Financial Impact on Residents
The financial effect of these changes will vary from person to person. According to the council's proposal, some residents could be asked to contribute an additional £2 to £50 per week towards the cost of their care.
The exact increase will depend on an individual's financial situation and the specific care services they receive. The council has stressed that any changes will follow a thorough review of each person's ability to pay.
The Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG)
The MIG is a standard figure used by all councils in England to calculate care charges. It is designed to ensure that after paying for care, individuals still have a protected level of income to cover essential costs like food, utilities, and clothing. The proposal aims to align Wirral's charging policy directly with this national standard.
To mitigate the impact, the council has committed to providing support. This includes conducting new financial assessments for everyone affected to ensure they are receiving all the state benefits they are entitled to claim.
Council's Rationale for the Proposal
The proposal comes as local authorities across the country face significant financial challenges in funding adult social care. Cllr Graeme Cooper, Chair of Wirral’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, explained the reasoning behind the review.
"For more than 10 years, the council has been subsidising people by providing a discretionary buffer higher than the nationally agreed MIG. But maintaining this buffer is becoming increasingly difficult."
The statement highlights the long-standing nature of the local subsidy and the growing economic strain that makes its continuation a challenge. The council aims to create a more sustainable funding model for social care services while adhering to national standards.
Public Consultation and Next Steps
Wirral Council has emphasised that no final decision has been made. The proposal is currently subject to a public consultation, giving residents the opportunity to share their views on the potential changes.
Cllr Cooper urged residents to participate in the process to ensure a comprehensive understanding of public opinion.
"No changes will be made until a consultation has taken place, and council officers and councillors have had time to understand the responses. The more people who take part, the more useful the results will be."
This feedback will be crucial in shaping the final decision of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee. The council will analyze all responses before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed changes.
How to Share Your Views
Residents have several ways to participate in the consultation before the deadline. The consultation period is open until Tuesday, November 11.
- Online: The consultation can be completed through the council's official website.
- By Post: Paper copies of the survey can be requested and returned by mail.
- By Phone: Residents can also provide their feedback over the phone.
The council encourages anyone who may be affected, including service users, their families, and caregivers, to take part and make their voice heard on this important issue.