New Adult Social Care Charging Policy ensures most vulnerable residents are treated fairly

Mayor Dave Hodgson has put forward a new Adult Social Care Charging Policy that ensures the most vulnerable on the lowest incomes are treated fairly and supported with the cost of their adult social care. For the first time, residents claiming Universal Credit are recognised within the Council's Adult Social Care Charging Policy.

Residents will also be given an allowance to claim broadband costs, which previously was not included in the policy, to help with using internet equipment that meets their needs for their social care. The Council's policy will also promote independent living for people who are receiving care, by giving these residents a higher amount of minimum income to live on.

Guidance issued from government every year on how to set the minimum income people need to live on currently fails to recognise anyone who needs care and also receives Universal Credit. This means that if this guidance was followed without a change in policy, some residents would likely lose out on income they are entitled to through Universal Credit. Currently, over 60% of benefit claimants in Bedford Borough are now receiving Universal Credit.

As Bedford Borough Council can set their own policy in relation to minimum incomes allowed under their Adult Social Care Charging Policy, the Council is stepping up to support the residents that the government has failed to account for in their outdated guidance.

Councillor Dean Crofts, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson said "This is fantastic news for people on low incomes that receive care. As a Council, these are the people we want to help the most and it is so important that they are recognised in the new Adult Social Care Charging Policy.

"The fact that this has not been changed in the government guidance is an insult to these residents. Yet again the government are passing the buck on to local authorities to clean up the government's mess. The government have neglected these residents and failed to consider the possibility that those receiving adult social care support may also be receiving Universal Credit."

Councillor Wendy Rider, Portfolio Holder for Adults Services who agreed the policy with the Mayor commented on the Council's new policy to support broadband care costs. Councillor Rider said "There is now fantastic technology that can be used to help someone with their social care needs. This technology is usually internet based and it is only right that the Council treats broadband expenditure as a necessity to help with someone's care."