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Charging into poverty?

Care charges risk leading older and disabled people into poverty

Rising care charges are putting older and disabled people at risk of not being able to afford to eat, heat their homes, wash or get essential support, says a report, published 4 June 2008, by National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) for the Coalition on Charging.

Based on a snapshot survey and focus groups, the report, Charging into poverty?, reveals that rising charges for people to receive care in their own homes, are causing disabled and older people in England to reduce or even stop their support services.

The survey found that:

• 80% of people surveyed who no longer use care services say charges contributed to their decision to stop their support.
• A fifth (22%) of people surveyed who currently use support suggested they would stop if charges increased further.
• 29% of respondents do not feel their essential expenditure (related to impairment/health condition) is taken into account in financial assessments to pay charges. Meaning they have to choose between essential support and equally essential food, heating or utility bills.
• Nearly three quarters (72%) of people surveyed believe the Government should think about the charges people pay for support at home in adult care reform plans.

The report is backed by more than 18 major national organisations that represent disabled people, older people and carers, including Disability Alliance.

In May 2008 the Government launched a national debate on adult care reform in England. The Coalition on Charging is calling on Government to conduct a thorough review of the impact of care charges from 2008, and for these issues to be addressed in adult care reform in England.

More information

• charging into poverty? - report (pdf format)
• charging into poverty? - press release
• guardian article

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