The Department of Health's (DOH) has laid down guidelines for local councils on the payment of home ...
The Department of Health's (DOH) has laid down guidelines for local councils on the payment of home care charges, which should improve transparency for clients calculating the cost of care.
The DOH wants to provide objectives to help councils ensure charging systems are both fair and consistent.
Sandy Johnstone, long term care strategy manager at Norwich Union, said: 'If people do not have insurance they can see what is available. This decision shows them what to expect and it will hopefully encourage those approaching retirement to think about their personal plans.'
He added: 'With the introduction of free nursing care charges, there is now more clarity in place. IFAs now find it easier to make decisions on whether LTC is suitable. If we can get some clarity on domiciliary care, then decisions will become more straightforward.'
As a result of the guidance, local authorities and the DOH could join forces to produce a more consistent national scale of assistance.
Health minister, Jacqui Smith, said: 'Currently there are huge variations between councils and this new statutory guidance allows us to put an end to this. The guidance also ensures councils will, in the future, provide joined-up benefits advice, so that users receive a better service overall. The main aim of this guidance is to make sure we get a fairer service all round,' she added.
