Charging Policy

Introduction to the Draft Adult Social Care Charging Policy

We are pleased to announce that our organisation is publishing a draft Adult Social Care Charging Policy for public consultation. This policy sets out how the Council charges for Adult Social Care services and support, including how financial assessments are carried out, how contributions towards care costs are calculated, and the support available to people receiving care and support services.

What is the Adult Social Care Charging Policy?

The Adult Social Care Charging Policy explains the circumstances in which people may be asked to contribute towards the cost of their care and support. It applies to adults aged 18 and over, and carers, who receive support arranged by the Council following an assessment of their needs.

The policy outlines:

How financial assessments are undertaken.
What income, savings, and assets may be considered when determining a contribution.
The different charging arrangements for residential and non-residential care services.
Services that are provided free of charge.
Information about top-up arrangements, reviews, appeals, and payment options.
How the Council ensures charging arrangements are fair, transparent, and consistent.

The policy has been developed to help people understand how care charges are calculated and to ensure that anyone receiving support can make informed decisions about their care and finances.

Why a Formal Policy Is Needed

The Council has a responsibility to ensure that charging arrangements are clear, fair, transparent, and consistent for everyone who receives Adult Social Care services. The draft policy has been developed in line with the Care Act 2014 and associated guidance and sets out a single framework for how charging decisions are made.

What the Policy Means for People Receiving Care and Support

The draft policy explains several important aspects of the charging process, including:

The requirement to complete a financial assessment so that an individual's contribution can be calculated.
The importance of providing accurate information about income, savings, and financial circumstances.
How changes in circumstances should be reported to ensure charges remain accurate.
The availability of reviews and appeals where a person disagrees with the outcome of a financial assessment.
The different ways contributions can be paid and the support available throughout the process.

Invitation to Participate in the Consultation

We invite all interested individuals, including people who receive Adult Social Care services, carers, families, advocates, care providers, community organisations, and professionals, to review the draft policy and share their feedback.

Your views are important and will help us ensure the policy is fair, understandable, and responsive to the needs of local residents.

Please find the draft policy attached. Consultation will remain open until 20/11/2026, and responses can be submitted via the consultation survey or by emailing commissioningconsultation@redbridge.gov.uk.

If you have any questions or require this information in an alternative format, please contact us using the email address above.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this consultation and for helping us shape the future of Adult Social Care services in Redbridge.