People receiving community care have until next Monday (October 10) to let the council know their views on plans to change how much they pay towards the service.

The “Fairer Charging Policy” consultation is aimed at those who use services including help at home with preparing food or with washing, people attending day care centres and those in receipt of personal budgets.

It follows national guidance on how local authorities charge for non-residential care services and is calculated by taking into consideration service users’ disposable income and benefits.

Hackney Council has one of the lowest charging policies in London for its community care services, but the charging policy has not been reviewed since 2002.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council cabinet member for health, social care and culture said: “Our main aim is to protect those who are unable to pay for their care and ensure that those who can contribute towards the cost of their care do so.”

To give feedback email consultation@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 6244.