To secure the future of its telecare services, Shropshire Council is set to introduce a new charging structure.
Telecare is a range of assistive technologies designed to help individuals live independently in their own homes.
Telecare systems are connected to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), which gives 24/7 immediate assistance in emergencies.
However, with increasing demand and the transition to new digital technology, the council is seeking to introduce charges, as most other councils already do, to maintain and enhance the service.
The council is proposing to implement a charge which will cover the costs of equipment, monitoring, staffing, and administration at a charge of £3.45 per user a week, with a one-off start-up charge of £35 for new users.
The council would continue to fund telecare for those assessed as unable to pay, including those with existing social care packages funded by the council.
The proposal follows public consultation earlier in the year, which gave mixed feedback and many respondents raised concerns about affordability and the impact on vulnerable individuals.
To mitigate this, the new system would have several measures including:
- financial assessments to determine individuals’ ability to pay
- benefit checks to maximise income
- referrals to relevant agencies for additional support
The telecare service would also be free for up to six weeks for people being discharged from hospital as part of a reablement process.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for social care said:
“Charging for telecare has been planned for some time and sadly given the financial situation the Council faces, we have little choice but to do as most other councils already do and charge for this service.
“We have however listened to public feedback and are seeking as far as possible to mitigate the impact of charging on those who can least afford it and are committed to supporting vulnerable people to access eligible benefits in order to maximise their income.”
The proposal will be considered by the Cabinet on 11 June 2025 and if approved, the new charging structure would take effect from 1 October 2025.
