Council Moves to Make Social Contributions Fairer

South Tyneside residents are reminded to have their say as part of a 12-week consultation on Adult Social Care client contributions.

South Tyneside Council is reviewing its Adult Social Care contributions policy to make it fair for all who access adult social care support.

The Council has subsidised these costs for residents for almost a decade. As the number of people who require support from adult social care continues to rise that subsidy is simply unsustainable and funding must be allocated to support those who need it most. This will include the introduction of some new charges.

Cllr Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence at South Tyneside Council said: "We've already had some fantastic engagement with those who are affected but we want to make sure everyone's voice is heard.

"We've written to everyone who use the services impacted, with around 1,500 letters sent. We've hosted events to chat with people in person about the proposed changes and ensured we've provided support to alleviate any concerns. We've also involved our third sector groups to talk about their experiences.

"We're now nearing the end of the consultation process so want anyone else affected to come forward and have their say."

The council is working to target support at the residents and parts of the Borough that need it the most in a bid to make things fairer. To support those residents that face financial difficulties the council keeps costs as low as possible and continues to subsidise many services rather than go to full cost recovery.

Historically the Council's allowances have been greater than the government's minimum income guarantee and that of neighbouring authorities. It is proposed that the charging policy is brought in sync with regional and national policies. Over the years changes to the benefit system and allowances within that system has created complex charging scenarios. The proposed changes to the client contributions will look to simplify and streamline for residents as well as making sure that those with similar incomes and levels of need are treated equally.

It is anticipated that some of those who currently contribute to their care may have to pay more under the new proposals although a proportion of people may also be reassessed and pay less.

People who use Adult Social Care services will be individually assessed to ensure that they have a guaranteed income and define what their contribution will be going forward.

Cllr Berkley added: "We always take a balanced approach to setting fees and charges and will continue to subsidise where we can. However, this must be balanced against meeting the increasing requirement for support and the associated costs across adults and children's social care. Supporting people with some of the most complex needs in society absorbs an increasing proportion of all councils' budgets."

Even with the Government's Adult Social Care precept on council tax, which is ringfenced for those services, the increase in numbers of people who need support from Adult Social Care still creates a significant funding gap. The funding allocated nationally, and monies raised locally via the precept for adult social care does not contribute sufficiently towards the cost of Adult Social Care services. Pressures are anticipated to continue to grow as the numbers of people requiring adult social care increases and their support needs become more complex. 

For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay The consultation closes on Friday 9 May 2025.