Your care, your way - contributions policy

In Lambeth, we have now finished consulting on how people contribute towards the cost of the care and support they receive. The consultation ended on 24 June 2011. 

Thank you to everyone who took part, and gave us their views and comments. We received a very good response, with over 900 people getting involved in some way, whether it was attending a meeting or discussion group, giving us their comments over the phone, by email or letter, or by completing a consultation feedback form.

What did we consult on?

The government has produced guidance that requires all councils who charge for services to do so through contributions to the total cost of their support. Individuals can use their personal budget to buy services that meet their needs, or they can ask the council to arrange services for them.

The council consulted on a number of proposals as part of a revised contributions policy, in which people would be asked to contribute based on the total cost of the services they receive, rather the sort of service they use. At present, we charge people for some, but not all, care and support services. People who use social care services are charged depending on their financial circumstances.

This contributions policy only affects people who use community based services, rather than people living in residential or nursing homes. It also does not include services received under Section 17 of the Mental Health Act 2003. 

What did the council decide following consultation?

All of the feedback from consultation was submitted to the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 25 July 2011, together with a number of recommendations for Cabinet members to consider. Councillors accepted the recommendations, and you can find the full details of these in the Council’s Cabinet report plus the Equalities Impact Assessment.

The council will write to all service users who may be affected by the revised policy to let them know about the agreed changes, together with the timescale for implementing these.

Any questions?

If you want to ask questions, you can contact us using any of the contact details below:

• Send an email to:
  acs-consultation@lambeth.gov.uk
• Text us on: 07772 103 628
• Phone us on freephone: 0800 013 1497
• Write to us at:
  Freepost RSKJ-YSKA-AUSA
  ACS Consultation
  Lambeth Adults' and Community Services
  Phoenix House
  10 Wandsworth Road
  London SW8 2LL