Cornwall's residents may soon have to pay the full cost of their care, if they are assessed as able to afford it.
Cornwall Council has published a consultation on charging for adult social care and also a separate consultation on introducing an eligibility criteria for transport.
The proposed changes to its domiciliary charging policy, which are estimated to save £3m if passed, include removing the maximum weekly charge so individuals have to pay the full price of care, and including disability related benefits when assessing how much individuals can afford to pay.
The proposed disability related benefits include:
• Disability Living Allowance (excluding the mobility component);
• Pension Credit Guarantee (disability premiums only);
• Income Support (disability premiums only); and
• Attendance Allowance
The consultation said: "We need to make sure we have a fair system for charging, which is clear and consistent. We also need to make sure we have enough money in the budget to continue to provide services for people who need then and to help maintain them in the future.
The council has five proposals:
1. Removing the maximum contribution for care and charging for the whole cost of care (maximum currently £250 per week)
2. Including disability related benefits (DRB) and disability related expenditure (DRE) when assessing how much (if anything) you can afford to pay
3. Charging for services which are currently free, such as day services
4. Changing the way you are financially assessed for respite care
5. Charging the exact amount, instead of rounding down to the nearest 50p
Cornwall Council's Adult Care, Health and Wellbeing consultation document is available to download.
The consultation runs until 10 November 2013.
