PEOPLE who use adult social care services in North Yorkshire are being asked their views on how the provision is paid for.

North Yorkshire County Council is currently consulting on proposals about how people who use adult social care services contribute to their costs.

The consultation will cover two main areas; the cost of transport to places where people receive a service – for example a day care centre; and how the total cost of care is calculated and the amount people should contribute in the future.

County Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for adult social care and health integration, said: “In February, county councillors approved the adult social care budget and agreed to look at reviewing our charging policy.

“Since then we have been talking to residents and service providers to look at ways in which we might do that.

“In North Yorkshire, it’s crucial to us to support adult social care as much as possible.

“We have welcomed additional funding from Government, we have raised additional council tax through the social care precept and we have protected budgets, as much as we can, to the point where social care is now nearly 45 per cent of all that we spend.

“However, given that adult social care is our largest budget – and we have other important commitments, to children and parents and to road users, for example – we still have had to make savings.”

Cllr Harrison said the county council is continuing to to lobby Government for a long-term sustainable solution to funding adult social care.

He added: “In the meantime, we must continue to look critically at how we spend taxpayers’ money and how it can be spent better.

“We are now consulting about our proposals for changing the way we charge for some adult social care services and want as many people as possible to take part in this consultation.

“People’s views will form a very important part of the decision making process.

“If the decision is made to implement the proposals, the changes would not begin until April next year and we will also take steps to advise people on how they can claim other benefits and support to which they may be entitled.”

The council has produced a consultation document at northyorks.gov.uk. Information sessions are also taking place at County Hall, Northallerton, on November 13 at 9.30 am.Richmond Cricket Club, on November 14 at 2pm.