Lancashire social care fees rise and cuts 'inevitable'

People using or providing social care in Lancashire are to be asked whether services should be reduced or fees raised by the county council.

The council, which faces massive budget cuts, is starting a consultation on Monday.

County Councillor Mike Calvert, cabinet member for adult and community services, said some service cuts and fees increases looked inevitable.

"It is essential that everyone contributes to our thinking," he said.

People who receive social care in the county include pensioners and disabled adults.

Fees increase

Lancashire County Council has to reduce its overall budget by 26% in the next four years.

The consultation document, Making Difficult Decisions about Funding Adult Social Care Services says the options facing the county council include: raising the fees people pay for services provided, reducing the payment the council makes for services and raising the access to care criteria.

"It is unfortunately inevitable that for some people, services will be reduced or charges increased," said Mr Calvert.

He added: "I would therefore encourage everyone who is in any way interested in the future provision of adult social care in Lancashire to get involved and make their views count."