Care trusts might charge for services

Care trusts could be given powers to charge for providing
residential care services under new government proposals.

If passed, amendments to the Health Act partnership regulations –
currently out for consultation – would allow councils to delegate
charging functions for both residential and non-residential care
services to care trusts.

It would mean that while councils would set overall charging
policies, care trusts would be allowed to decide the level of
contribution people should pay, collect information on people’s
financial circumstances, arrange for collection of payments, and
legally enforce payment.

The government believes the changes would help financial managers
and care managers work closer together in care trusts. 

– Consultation ends 30 January, see website www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/partnershipregsconsult.htm