ELDERLY and disabled adults are to be consulted by the council on proposals to introduce a number of care charges.

With a budget of £60m a year, adult social care is the biggest single expenditure faced by Swindon Borough Council, which helps up to 7,000 people at any one time.

Now, as the council looks to find £70m of savings over the next five years, the way the services are provided is being examined.

On top of that, the Care Act has come into effect, which has also heralded a number of changes.

The council is consulting on a number of proposals which would mainly be based on bringing in certain charges for those who can afford to contribute towards their care.

Service users, carers and relevant organisations are being asked to take part.

Among the suggestions are introducing administration fees and interest payments for people who take loans from the council before for their care, which is then often repaid through the sale of property at a later date.

There could also be a further charge for self-funded users, those who can afford to contribute to their care,who might pay for the costs of introducing tailored care.

The consultation process has been welcomed by groups in Swindon who are urging those affected to have their say.

Cath Johnston, the chief executive of Swindon Carers, said: “When there are talks of charges there is always going to be a level of anxiety.

“We want to properly look at the proposals and then speak with carers to make sure when they respond we are reflecting the right views.

“I am really pleased the council is holding this consultation and have given people plenty of time to respond.

They say that no decision has been made so it is important that everyone has their say.

“What I will be doing is looking at the proposals and then comparing them with the current situation to see what is different.

"The only thing really missing from the consultation notes is what the current situation is like so we will be looking to make that comparison before making our response.”

Coun Brian Mattock (Con, Old Town), the cabinet member for health, said: “We feel given the situation the council faces this is the best way forward, but we haven’t yet made a decision.

“What I would say is we had the option to introduce charges to care under the Care Act but we felt they do such a vital job for Swindon it wasn’t the right way forward.

"What we are looking to do is put in charges for those who can afford to contribute to their care to fund those who are not able to do so.”

The consultation is open until 5pm on September 4. It can be answered at www.swindon.gov.uk/careactconsultation. An Easy Read version is also available and paper copies of the consultation can be requested on 0800 085 6666.

Demand for adult social care is increasing

ADULT social care may not be the most glamorous aspect of politics but it is vital for thousands of people who live in Swindon.

The services can be for elderly people or those with physical and learning disabilities and ensure a decent quality of life.

Services can range from transport to hospital appointments through to a nurse coming to someone’s home.

Like much of the country, Swindon's elderly population is increasing while the number of adults with social care needs is also on the rise.

It takes up 40 per cent annually of the council’s overall budget so, with millions of pounds in council cuts needed, it was inevitable there would be some changes.