Proposals for non-residential care charges set to be discussed
Councillors will consider an update on proposals to introduce charging for non-residential care services at a meeting on 22 October.
Published 15 October 2025
At the Full Council meeting in February 2025, elected members agreed to defer the introduction of charges until 1 April 2026, making East Renfrewshire the last local authority in Scotland to introduce these charges. They also asked the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to return in October with:
- An updated equalities impact assessment including the views of people impacted by the policy
- An analysis of the income maximisation efforts made to support all potentially affected users
- An analysis of the amount of revenue expected to be generated and the taper level recommended
The HSCP is recommending the introduction of a 60% taper rate - meaning only those with disposable income above a nationally set threshold would be required to pay for a proportion of their care. This would ensure charges were only applied to those who can afford to pay, following a detailed financial assessment.
Introducing a 60% taper is projected to generate up to £1.6 million annually, helping to avoid more severe service reductions that could impact vulnerable residents.
Legislation sets out what can and cannot be charged for and personal care will remain free. This is help with, for example, toileting, washing, medication, help with dressing and undressing and support with skin care, such as applying creams or checking for pressure sores.
Care and support in scope for charges mainly include social supports such as help with shopping, food preparation, housework, travel for college, work, activities or appointments, day activities, and help with communication or understanding information.
The report sets out guiding principles which are designed to ensure fairness and protect those who are most vulnerable:
- No one will pay more than they can afford, or more than the actual cost of the service
- Charges are based on individual financial circumstances, following a full assessment
- Individuals will be clearly informed how and why they're being charged
- Everyone will be treated fairly and consistently
- All services users will be supported with income maximisation to ensure they have access all the benefits and financial support they're entitled to
Extensive communications and engagement work has been carried out to support affected individuals, including co-produced materials with a Lived Experience Group, targeted outreach, drop-in clinics, and income maximisation support. Over 80 residents attended engagement sessions, and several households have already seen increased benefit income as a result.
If approved, financial assessments will begin in November, with charging set to commence on 1 April 2026.
More information can be found at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/info and the paper to Council can be found here.
