Increased demand and reduced funding from central government means that Herefordshire Council will be increasing what it charges for care.

The Council is asking residents for their views on the proposed changes to the way it charges for care and support. The information you provide will not only help identify the impact of the proposals on those who access care and support services, but also help to inform future decisions.

The consultation comprises of six proposals: Bring Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) allowances in line with the statutory regulations; remove joint assessments for couples; treatment of income; charging for arranging support for self-funders; charging for telecare and changes to billing and payments.

Councillor Patricia Morgan, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Due to significantly reducing government funding and increasing demand and costs for adult social care services, it’s important that we understand what impact some of these changes may mean. Therefore, we encourage people to take part in the consultation.

“We are currently considering increasing council tax to support rising adult social care costs; a move supported by the government, which acknowledges that current adult social care funding is insufficient to meet demand.

“However, this will not resolve the situation and we will still need to make additional savings across the council, which could mean further changes to services and increases in council tax.”

The consultation is available until Thursday, March 11th, please visit herefordshire.gov.uk/awb-charging.