Charging for Day Care and Transport

The Government issued regulations for all councils to follow if they chose to charge for services.

If charges are made for care services we are required to carry out a financial assessment (means test) to work out how much you can pay. The exception to this is for meals taken in day care and transport where a charge can be made to all service users without the need for a financial assessment.

We only charge for the meals and transport and not the day care itself. You will require a financial assessment if you receive other chargeable services such as home care.

How Much Will You Pay

(Figures are correct at April 2007)

We are allowed to charge up to the full cost of providing the service but we decided only to seek a contribution towards our costs, therefore:

• The charge for a lunch taken in day care is £2.45 per day.
• The charge for transport is £1.05 per day.

These charges will be increased each year to keep up with rising costs, usually by the rate of inflation but if is to be more than that then we will consult with service users and carers.

If you choose not to take advantage of the meal provided in day care or if you do not use our transport to get there you will not have to pay the charges.

Notifying you of the Charge and your Right of Appeal

If you are a new service user we will write to you to confirm the charge that you will pay. We will also write to you each year, usually in March, to let you know what the charges will be increased to from April.

If you feel that there are reasons why you can’t pay you can ask to have the charges reviewed. This will be carried out by one of our managers within three weeks of your request and you will be given the decision in writing.

If you are still not satisfied you can use the official Complaints Procedure.

People who Refuse to Pay

The government has said that once someone has been assessed as needing a service, that service should not be withdrawn even if he or she refuses to pay the charge. You are advised to use the review system before you take any decisions to refuse the service because of the charges.

The government also advises that if anyone refuses to pay charges the debt can be pursued, if necessary through the Magistrates Court. Please talk to your social worker or the finance team before this happens.

Methods of Payment

For meals taken in day care and transport you will pay at the day care facility that you attend.

Your Views

We are always interested in hearing the views of service users on our charging policy. If you wish to make a comment or request a review please contact Social Care Direct

Further Details

If you would like a copy of our formal charging policy please contact us:

Durham County Council
Financial Assessment Team
Adult and Community Services
Green Lane
Spennymoor
DL16 6UG
Tel: 01388 424204