9 January 2008

 

 

Residents received a letter from Gwynedd Council this week regarding the implementation of the new supporting people service charge. The good news is that the council has had done a major U Turn and this is tremendous news for many in

Residents have been up in arms following the hefty increase last year.

Gwynedd Councillor Roy Owen who has Tre Gof and Llys yr Eifl who was effected on his ward was delighted with the change of heart, he said, "Many residents had contacted me to ask if anything could be done, After many months of hard work behind the scenes by the council, they have now decided to scrap the original plan and this is indeed good news for our residents".

This is what the letter said.

Changes to cost of Housing Related Support Services.

Dear Sir Madam,

I refer to your enquiry objecting to the principal of having to pay the revised charges associated with provision of the Warden and Emergency Call Bell Services.

Following a number of internal discussions and consultation with the Senior Member Care and Lead Member Housing, I can report that it is no longer our intention to enforce the implementation of the new Supporting People Service charge to do with providing the Warden and Emergency Call Bell services that were payable from the 1st of April 2007 on those tenants that were existing Council tenants pre-April 2003.  This will mean that the costs payable by yourself for 2007/08 will now be based on the costs you were paying before 1st April 2007 plus an inflationary increase (i.e. the weekly cost of the Warden Service will be £0.00 and £1.20 for the Emergency Call Bell).

I apologise for any inconvenience caused to you over this matter.

Yours Sincerely,
Ffrancon Williams
Head of Housing Services

This is what the council said last year

Non Residential Charges

Central government expects local authorities to recoup part of the cost of providing services by charging individuals who receive those services. Local authorities have been given statutory powers to charge for certain services. Charges collected are then reinvested to help maintain the services provided. When implementing its Charging Policy Gwynedd Council will attempt to ensure that charges are affordable and practical to collect. This policy will apply to all community care and supporting people services.

Why is it necessary to charge for some services?

The Welsh Assembly Government expects local authorities to recoup part of the cost of providing services by charging individuals who receive those services. Local authorities have the statutory power to charge for certain services. Charges collected are then reinvested to help maintain the services provided. When implementing its Charging Policy Gwynedd Council will attempt to ensure that charges are affordable and practical to collect. This policy will apply to all Community Care and Supporting People services.

How much will I have to pay?

Some services offered through Gwynedd Council's charging policy are based upon a financial assessment and qualification for certain benefits. If you are not already in receipt of those benefits you will be encouraged to apply as they may help offset the cost of charges. If you require assistance you can ask to be referred to the Welfare Rights Unit for advice, information and a benefits check. If you choose not to apply for benefits which the Department believes you may be eligible, you will be charged at the highest rate.

Will you consider anyone else's income?

Normally, it is only the income of the person who receives a service which will be considered when determining the level of charges. In circumstances where income and resources are held jointly, a joint financial assessment will be made.

Can I appeal against the charges?

The Charging Policy will not impinge on your right to appeal nor to ask to be exempted from charges (part 17 Health, Social Services and Social Security Adjudication Act 1983). An appeal can be permitted where there is strong and definitive evidence that it would not be possible or practical to impose the charge. The Department will retain the right to re-examine and review an appeal decision at any time.

What will happen if I refuse to disclose information?

If you refuse to disclose financial information the Department will impose a charge at the highest rate. You will also be expected to inform the Department of any change in circumstances. If a benefit application is successful, charges will be back dated to the adjudication date.

All service users will be asked to complete and return a benefit questionnaire. If the questionnaire is not returned after two reminders, within 6 weeks, the Department will set the charge at the highest rate.

Will you treat the information I disclose confidentially?

When implementing the Charging Policy the Council will safeguard all information disclosed and ensure that it is kept confidential. Confidential information will not be disclosed (unless it is a legal requirement or essential in the public interest). The Council will keep to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

How often will charges increase?

The Council will review the Charging Policy annually and charges will usually be increased in April when benefit levels increase.

 

 

 

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