CONSULTATION is set to begin on charging people for adult social care- as the council looks to plug a £11.3m funding gap.

As reported in the Echo, Dorset County Council is considering means-tested charges for the services it provides.

If agreed, these would come in to force in April.

The council already charges, but proposed changes include: -Scrapping the automatic 25 per cent discount on disability-related income -Adopting direct debit and upfront payment for residential and non-residential charges -Introducing ‘top up’ payments if a person’s accommodation costs exceed the personal budget granted -Administration charges A forecast for the next three financial years also reveals that the authority is facing a budget gap of £11.3m for 2017/18 and a gap of £8.5m for 2018/19.

More than £4m is set to come out of the adult and community services budget during both years to help close the funding gap.

The county council said that charging those who can afford it will be a policy which is fair to everyone, and it may help avoid further cuts to services.

The subsidies of services within the scope of the review cost the authority £1.3m.

Cllr Jill Haynes, cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: “We must spend the money we have where it will make the most difference to people.

“We are keen to use the freedom the Care Act gives us to make local policy decisions that are influenced by local people. At the same time, we will adopt the principles in the Care Act that promote affordability; wellbeing; and making sure that we give good support to people who care for others. Generally that means asking people to contribute towards the cost of their services where a means-test shows they can afford to.

“One of the practical things we are looking at is how we can extend the welfare benefits advice service the council currently offers, so that we can help even more people to claim all of the welfare benefits they’re entitled to.”

Consultation begins on Thursday, December 1.

You can find additional information about the proposal and complete the consultation questions by visiting www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/fair-charges. Paper copies of the consultation questions will be available from your local library.