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Older people who have been assessed as needing a place in a care home will be given greater choice under plans outlined by community care minister Stephen Ladyman, writes Clare Jerrom.

New guidance issued this week means that if an individual would like a place in a care home which was more expensive than the council would normally pay for, the council should arrange the placement providing the individual or a third party would pay the difference.

Councils should only seek top-up payments where an individual has chosen to move to a care home that has higher fees than the fees agreed by the council with local independent care home providers.

In addition, the guidelines specify that if a person has to move into a care home whose fees are higher than the council’s standard fees because of the level of care they need, the council should meet the additional costs.

Ladyman said: “I want to see people receiving good quality care in a place that’s right for them.”

“It reminds councils that it is their responsibility to use best commissioning practice, that delivers high quality care, that encourages fair competition to ensure best value while ensuring that providers receive a fair return for their services,” he added.

The new guidance is being issued under Section 7 (1) of the Local Authorities Social Services Act 1970.