"Difficult choices" as care administration fees are raised amid growing financial pressures

A new decision report shows the weekly brokerage and billing charge will rise from £6 to £8.05 — an increase of about 34 per cent. The increase follows a March 2024 decision to review these fees every two years for people who pay for their own non-residential care.

The council says it faces ongoing budget challenges and, without a long-term funding solution from central government, will need to make difficult choices to balance its budget by 2026/27.

Based on inflation over two years, the fee will rise to £8.75 a week — up 70p from £8.05.

The charge applies to people who have care arranged by the council, mainly older and disabled residents who fund their own care.

While the weekly rise may seem small, it adds up over time and increases the overall cost of care.

The council says the increase is intended to cover the cost of arranging and managing care, rather than being paid from its wider budget.

Because bills are issued in arrears, residents will not see the higher charge until May, giving them about a month’s notice.