Wakefield Council could increase charges for social care

CHARGES could be increased for social care services as Wakefield Council works to save money.

Fees would be introduced for services to carers, such as respite and home-based breaks, under new proposals affecting adults and children’s services.

A weekly charge for voluntarily admitting a child into council care would also be introduced, and Disability Related Expenditure (DRE), an allowance for disabled people, would be cut from £20 per week to £16. The council would remove subsidies within the Resource Allocation System.

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At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, council bosses are expected to approve the launch of a public consultation period over the changes.

They stressed that nobody would be asked to pay more than they could reasonably afford, in line with the council’s fairer charging policy.

Coun Pat Garbutt, cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We have no choice but to reduce spending and consider charging for services that may have been previously free.

“We have to look at how we can continue running these essential services for the vulnerable and those most in need. I urge everyone to look at the proposals and have your say.”

A 12-week consultation would begin on Monday, November 26.

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