Sussex council increases social care charges

Just weeks after axing free social care for thousands, a council has ordered remaining sufferers to pay even more towards their care.

West Sussex County Council has sent a letter to disabled people informing them their contribution towards social care and housing will rise to 100% of their disposable income from Monday.

According to campaigners the hike, up from 90%, is leaving disabled people without the small amount of money they had to themselves.

The letter claims a consultation has been carried out but campaigners disagree. Barry Pickthall, spokesman for the Don’t Cut Us Out – West Sussex campaign, said: “There was nothing in that consultation process about taking all their disposable income away. Disabled people have a right to life – not just an existence.” The increase comes a week after the council withdrew funded care from those with moderate needs – an estimated 4,500 across the county. A council spokeswoman said charges had gone up as part of national framework, and that service users were informed by letter last year and consultations carried out. She said the changes began last year and are being implemented over a two-year period.

She added: “Fairer Charging is not a tax on those who use our services, it is a contribution from them towards the services they receive. The system is fully means-tested and no one is asked to pay more than they can afford.

“Currently 63% of recipients make no contribution towards the cost of their support packages, 2% meet the full cost and the rest make some contribution.”