“They are going to charge me more than I can afford!”

Local authorities are allowed to charge for social care if they have a fair and proper local charging policy. Many are changing their policies to bring in higher charges and to charge more people. This may mean that they start charging you for the first time even if you are on a low income. But they must consult properly and assess your finances fully before starting to charge you. Assessing your finances must include taking account of your ‘disability-related expenditure’. These are the extra costs of living that you have because of your condition or impairment. If they have not done this then you can make a complaint - see How to make a complaint.

The rules about what services local authorities can charge for and how much are complicated. The guidance that applies in England is slightly different from the guidance that applies in Wales. Actual charges vary across different local authorities. You can read more about charging at www.disabilityalliance.org/f3.htm

An advice or advocacy service will be able to help you work out if you are being charged too much. If you are, then you need to complain.

• Still need help? Head back to Are they allowed to do that?