Upper Capital Limit Consultation

Background

In Richmond, we are committed to providing high quality care and support to local residents who need help in their day to day lives. However, all councils are facing significant reductions in public funding for services whilst having to meet increasing demand for support and we are no different.

Why are we consulting?

Like other councils we have to find ways of reducing spend on many services while ensuring that we are able to provide much needed care and support to those most in need. Our overall aim is to protect our services for the longer term. The proposed changes set out in the consultation document below will bring us in line with other local authorities.

Adult Social Care services are means-tested and charges for care services are based on the Council’s Adult Social Care Contributions Policy, An “upper capital limit” determines the point at which a person ceases to qualify for financial support from the Council towards their care costs. A person with capital above the upper capital limit is deemed to be able to afford the full cost of their care.

In Richmond, there is currently a capital limit of £35,000 for non-residential services. The capital limit for residential services (care services in a care home is £23,250.

The consultation document tells you:

• Why we are having to make changes
• What we are proposing to do
• How you can help by telling us what you think
• What will happen after the consultation
   

Our proposal

• To reduce the upper capital limit for non-residential care services from £35,000 to £23,250 from April 2016.
   

Have your say

We are keen to hear the views of anyone who would like to comment on these proposals, but particularly people who currently use care and support services and pay for their own care and support or who are likely to do so in the coming years.  You can complete our online questionnaire below or you can request a paper copy of the questionnaire by contacting us on 020 8831 6400 or          charginghelpline@richmond.gov.uk