Huge rise in Dudley Council dementia and disability charges

Dudley Council adds almost 14% to day care charges for people with dementia or complex disabilities. The increase, which is 12% higher than the current rate of inflation, affects services at Crystal Gateway in Stourbridge and Dudley’s Queens Cross Network.

The increase means building and information services will rise from £6.07 to £6.91 an hour from 1 July. Dudley’s cabinet member for adult social care, Cllr Andrea Goddard, said: “I understand this can be really upsetting for some people. because they have to work out the new wage rate and no one wants to raise prices, especially for those who need care, but with inflation we have to think practically, to be able to provide the service financially.

“Still a fantastic service for the price. The hourly charge is equivalent to around 40% of the cost of home care and does not cover the full cost of the service, which the council will continue to fund.” The rates for these services have not increased since 2019 and were completely changed during the peak of the pandemic in 2021.

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Not all service users will need to find extra cash for the service, if people already pay their maximum assessed care contribution or have a zero charge for their financial assessment they will see no change.

The increase will not only cover costs but also raise £6,700 more than the budget for the service for the current financial year. Cllr Adam Aston, Labour’s cabinet member for adult public health and social care, said: “Any increase in charges on the most vulnerable members of our community is regrettable, although I recognize there has been no increase for the last five years. .

“I certainly hope that the additional cost of 84p an hour will not put people off using the service, both Crystal Gateway and Queens Cross Center provide a vital lifeline for people living with dementia and physical/sensory disabilities respectively, providing respite for caregivers. , stimulating activities and a haven of solitude. “Regarding the £6.7k income, I understand that this describes additional income this year to offset a small proportion of the amount the council subsidizes the service.

“It’s not about ‘making money’ for authority.” Cllr Goddard added that he was confident people would get help if needed and be directed to places where they could claim benefits if needed.

She added: “We do not anticipate that anyone who attends dementia services or Queens Cross will stop using the services.”

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