Southampton adult social care costs to rise, says council

The council is increasing fees for care that is usually provided in people's own homes

Those who rely on a city council for adult social care are set to see some charges rise.

New transport and non-residential care charges, for those not eligible for funding support, will be introduced by Southampton City Council.

The move will generate some £200,000 worth of savings for the authority.

In November, the council said it was facing financial difficulties and needed to find £15m to balance its budget.

The most common transport trips were taking people to and from day care, the authority said.

Justifying its position, it added that many councils, such as Hampshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole already charged for transport - but that it was unique in providing the service for free.

The council will also increase fees for non-residential care - care that is usually provided in people's own homes - from April.

The increased prices are the result of a change in how the cost of care is calculated.

Those affected were being charged less than their maximum affordable amount, the council said.

Care provisions for full-cost customers with the highest charges and the biggest charge increase would be reviewed.

As of July 2023, the council said it had 2,654 users, of which 1,659 were in non-residential care.

The changes will allow the council to save between £250,000 and £450,000 and will be introduced as part of its medium-term financial strategy.

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