CHESHIRE East Council has rejected the option to charge carers for any extra support services they need.


The new legislation, which comes into effect on April 1, introduces a wide range of changes to the provision and funding of care, including the option for local authorities to charge for support services for carers.


But Cheshire East Council has chosen not to make a charge.


Under the Act, carers will be able to receive the support they need to help them to be effective carers and make their task easier. An assessment would identify their needs and, if they meet the new national eligibility criteria, then their local authority will provide a personal budget for them to arrange the support required to help them.


Cheshire East Council leader, Cllr Michael Jones, said: “Cheshire East strongly supports the principles of the new legislation as we are committed to improving the well-being of all our service users and carers.
“We recognise that so many carers work selflessly to provide care and support for others and there will come a time when they may need support too.


“We believe that carers should have equal rights to access support and, following an assessment of their needs, should not be charged for the support they require.”


For more information about the Act and how Cheshire East intends to implement its requirements, please visit social care and health/care act.