Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is consulting social services users on the criteria for fairer charging for some of the borough's non residential adult services.

The consultation is to find out from people who use Bracknell borough's adult care how the Council can make charges fair and reasonable for services including Home Support, Direct Payments and Supporting People which all help people with learning or physical needs to continue to live independently.

The fairer charging policy is part of government guidance to keep social services across the country consistent and means all councils have to assess charging on an individual basis, so individuals pay an amount they can afford.

The consultation is looking at minimum and maximum payments for services, hourly rates, how individual assessments are made and why the fairer charging policy is being reviewed.

The consultation has now begun with an internet site and information distributed to Bracknell people who use a variety of social services. All service users were sent a personal letter and a response form to indicate if and how they would like to be involved in the consultation.

A series of meetings and presentations are to be held where service users can have their say and let the Council know their comments on fairer charging. Service users can book to attend these sessions and more meetings will be scheduled if there is demand.

* Tuesday February 7, 2 to 4pm, Sandhurst Town Council
* Thursday February 9, 10am to 12noon, Recital Room, South Hill Park
* Wednesday February 15, 7 to 9pm, Council Chamber, Easthampstead House

Presentations will also be made to those who use Bracknell Council's day centres later this month (February) so everyone can have a say.

Daphne Obang, Bracknell Director of Social Services and Housing, said: "It is important as many people who use these services as possible participate in the consultation so we can hear their comments on how charges can be made with the input of service users and how services can be delivered in the future. There are various ways people can be involved in the consultation so we look forward to hearing peoples' views."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: "We have not reviewed our policy in this area for some time and we need to be sure it properly reflects a fair, consistent, and open approach that's relevant to our user community today. Our priority is to always have high quality, sustainable care services for the people of Bracknell Forest. The new fairer charging policy will help continue this commitment now and in the future."

Service users can also request home visits by telephoning 01344 352000. Written representation can be made to Fairer Charging, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD, or by email.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council