I WOULD like to clarify a few points raised in a recent Dorset Echo story about charges for extra care home schemes in Dorset (‘Forced into Care', July 4).
The article claims that older, vulnerable people living in extra care housing schemes say they could be forced into care homes due to increase in charges for services.
No-one would be forced into care as a result of the proposals.
The charges for extra care accommodation are effectively a private tenancy arrangement through the housing panel.
The rent is paid for by the resident or, if they are eligible for it, by housing benefit.
We are not proposing to increase these charges, we are proposing to remove a subsidy for care and support services which are provided in addition to the accommodation.
At present, the cost of this service is subsidised by the county council for all the residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
For some people, their contribution may increase, but only to an affordable level.
Financial assessments are being offered to all residents before the end of the consultation period so that they know the impact it will have on them personally.
The government expects councils to charge people a contribution toward the services they receive so all people are treated equal, and the new laws brought in by the Care Act 2014 give councils discretion to charge for care and support provision in extra care housing if people can afford to pay.
In times of financial austerity, the council can no longer afford to continue to charge less for a service than it costs to provide.
The aim is to create a fair and transparent system of contributions for adult social care services. We also have to charge contributions that meet the legal requirements.
In the past, people have told us they expect to pay something towards their services if they can afford it.
We want to encourage people to have their say on the proposals before we make any decisions, and we are contacting everyone affected individually, as well as organising public meetings.
The consultation will run until September 30, and residents will have a chance to give their views online, or attend meetings at the homes.
There will also be opportunities for one to one meetings for those concerned.
Cllr Jill Haynes
DCC Cabinet member for adult social care
Dorset County Council
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