KENT County Council plans to increase charges for home-based care services just three months after announcing it will close two care homes in north Kent.

KCC has launched a consultation over plans to increase income-assessed fees for a range of adult domiciliary care, including help with shopping and meals.

The news comes after KCC decided to close Manorbrooke, in Bevis Road, Stone for two years before reopening as extra care housing, while the Limes care home in Brent Lane, Dartford, will close completely.

People using mental health services will also start to pay for domiciliary care unless they have had services imposed upon them.

Carol Gosal, service manager for mental health charity Rethink in west Kent, said: “This is a big change to suggest and the local authority must carefully think through how people with mental illnesses will be affected.

“We would not support any change which would make it more difficult for people to get the support they need.”

The consultation will also cover KCC’s plans to increase the amount of income taken into account when calculating individual charges from 85 per cent to 100 per cent.

KCC cabinet member for adult social care, Councillor Graham Gibbens, said: “KCC has a history of successfully tackling difficult issues and making difficult decisions to do the best for the people of Kent. At times, this can mean the council has to do what is best ahead of what is popular.

“The extra money from new and increased charges means that more people will be able to get services they need. These are services that could help people to stay out of hospital or residential care.”

The consultation runs until July 31 at kent.gov.uk/fsccharging.

What are the charges?

Average care packages currently cost KCC around £35 a week, set to rise by up to £10 a week this year.

Under the current charging policy, people who have £23,250 or more in savings or investments will pay the full cost of their care.

Charges will continue to be income-based, but will take into account all of a person’s income, rather than the current 85 per cent.

For example, a pensioner using a care package which costs the council £85.50 a week and with an available income of £45 a week after certain deductions, will be expected to pay £45 a week towards the cost of that care.

Those with no available income would not be expected to pay towards their care.