Residents urged to participate in session on proposed costs to telecare supply

Shropshire Council is inviting residents who entry the council’s Telecare service, to participate in a public session on proposals to introduce a subsidised cost for Telecare companies.

Man in kitchen – picture credit score Age Optimistic Picture Library

The session which launched this week (Monday 20 January 2025) and is a part of the council’s wider plan to satisfy its financial savings and reply to the rising challenges in social care.

Proposed Adjustments

The proposal features a weekly cost of £3.45 for each present and new Telecare customers. Moreover, a one-off start-up price of £35.00 is proposed for brand spanking new customers, together with a free six-week trial interval as a part of a reablement package deal. Residents receiving a care package deal from Shropshire Council or these entitled to after-care companies underneath Part 117 of the Psychological Well being Act will probably be exempt from these costs.

Motive for the session

Councils all around the nation are underneath stress from the rising want and value of social care companies. Extra so in Shropshire because the county’s older inhabitants is rising at a sooner charge than the nationwide common.

In Shropshire this accounts for practically 80% of the council’s general price range. Central Authorities funding restrictions imply that the Council has been taking a look at alternative routes to recuperate among the prices of operating some companies. One of many choices is to introduce costs for among the companies that had been beforehand free. Round £4 in each £5 the council spends is on social care, taking care of essentially the most weak folks within the county. Extra folks than ever now want this help, which the council should present, whereas prices to take action are rising.

Shropshire is at the moment one in every of only a few councils that don’t cost any residents for the Telecare service. The everyday cost for Telecare companies in different councils ranges from £1.50 to £19 per week. Introducing a cost in Shropshire would deliver the council in step with different areas and assist us to recuperate among the prices related to operating the Telecare service, permitting us to maintain and develop the service.

If the proposed cost is launched, and all customers paid the related cost, it’s estimated that the Council might recuperate a proportion of the total price of operating the Telecare service. Due to this fact, the fees outlined above could be a contribution to the total price of the service.

About Telecare companies

Telecare companies allow people, together with the aged, disabled, and weak, to sign for help when wanted. This service features a base unit and name button, which may be worn as a pendant or wrist strap. The system connects to a Response Centre that operates 24/7, guaranteeing assist is accessible always.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, cupboard member for grownup social care and public well being stated:

“Whist Telecare is a non-statutory service we all know that it is a vital prevention service that helps people to dwell independently by offering around-the-clock emergency help.

“Given the present monetary panorama, Shropshire Council is exploring price restoration measures to make sure the sustainability of this non-statutory supply. This isn’t about accumulating giant sums of income however proposing a modest cost like most councils are doing throughout the nation. It will assist us to recuperate among the prices related to operating the Telecare service, permitting us to maintain and develop the service for our residents.

“The council stays dedicated to delivering wonderful care companies and values the enter of its residents in shaping the way forward for Telecare companies.

“We subsequently urge everybody from Telecare shoppers, carers, well being and social care professionals, and most people to know the influence of the proposed costs and to participate on this session.”

How to participate

Individuals can present their views by varied strategies, together with electronic mail, postal mail, native libraries, and Shropshire Native centres.

For additional data and to take part within the session, go to https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/telecare-charging-consultation/ or contact the Buyer Providers group at 0345 678 9000 for those who need assistance with the survey.

The session will run till 10 March 2025.