Background

In 1999 central government identified problems with variations in home care charging policies between local councils. Devon, along with the other local authorities, was required by Department of Health guidance to re-think its methods of charging for home care and other non-residential services to ensure they were consistent and equitable. The guidance was later amended by the Department of Health's Fairer Charging Policies for Home Care and Other Non Residential Social Services issued in Sep 2003.

(The Fairer Charging policy only relates to services to adult users.)

Key Principles

Devon Social Services Department felt it was important to set out what we wanted to achieve as a result of implementing a new fairer charging policy and this is as follows: -

To:

• seek to maintain (not increase or reduce) the amount of money coming into Devon Social Services from charges for non-residential services

• adopt a fair and consistent approach across all adult user groups and not treat people differently because of age, gender or disability
  

• charge for all non-residential services received in a care package arranged or provided by Devon Social Services
  

• charge individuals the standard cost of services unless a financial assessment shows otherwise
  

• provide information, advice and alternative options to individuals to maximise their personal income and choice over services

See Also:

• Consultation
• Agreement Process
• Outcomes
• Definitions of non-residential social care services