Social care charging policy (2023)

Overview

Leicester City Council is proposing a change to its financial assessment for people who receive care. This survey can be filled in by anyone, not just those who receive help from adult social care.

What we are proposing to change

The Department of Health changed its guidance on financial assessments alongside the Care Act 2014. We plan to bring our assessments in line with the Department of Health guidance. The council is also proposing a change to some of its non-statutory services; services that are not required by law but offer support to people.

What we are consulting on

Everyone who is eligible for adult social care has a financial assessment to work out if they have to pay towards the cost of their care and if so, how much. The assessment criteria are outlined in the council’s charging policy, which can be found at leicester.gov.uk/financial-assessment

The financial assessment takes into account any benefits that people may receive from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) because of their disability. These are called disability benefits and are:

• Attendance allowance (AA) – for over 65s
• Disability living allowance (DLA) – for under 65s
• Personal independence payments (PIP) – slowly replacing DLA.

The council also provides appointeeship to manage the financial affairs on behalf of people who lack capacity to manage their own finances or have complex care needs. The council will then pay all their bills and debts, using the person’s social security benefits.

Any changes will not affect your entitlement or eligibility to any disability benefits, or their rates.

Public meetings

You may also come to one of the following public consultation meetings for more information. Please contact us if you would like to attend, by e-mailing us at scesurvey@leicester.gov.uk or calling us on 0116 454 4400.

• 22 November, 6-7.30pm – Peepul Centre, Training Room 3, Orchardson Avenue, LE4 6DP
• 27 November, 10.30am-12pm – Town Hall, Tea Room 1.12, Town Hall Square, LE1 9BG
• 29 November, 2.30-4pm – Quaker Meeting House, Ground Floor Meeting Room, 16 Queens Road, LE2 1WP

Why your views matter

We want to hear your views on the proposed changes. No changes can be made until the city mayor and his executive team have considered the findings of this survey. The consultation will run from 9 October to 31 December 2023.

If you want to talk to someone about the survey or you need support to complete it, please call our helpline on 0116 454 4400 or email us at scesurvey@leicester.gov.uk