Care fees set to rise as Wigan councillors are asked for approval

A series of increases to weekly residential and nursing care fees in Wigan borough will be considered by the council’s cabinet members.

Councillors will be asked to ratify the proposed rises for 2021/22 at a meeting on Thursday.

Proposals would see standard, high and specialist residential care fees increase by 2.2 per cent and nursing costs by 2.4 per cent.

It would mean that a person needing standard residential care would pay £471 a week, up from £461 in 2020/21.

For high residential care, fees will go up from £537 to £549 weekly and specialist from £594 to £607.

As for nursing care, standard fees would jump from £465 to £476 a week, high from £551 to £564 and specialist from £600 to £614.

Proposed fees exclude funded nursing care, which is paid in addition for people with nursing needs at a level determined by the Department of Health and Social Care. The rate for 2021/22 is £187.60 per week.

A report set to be considered by councillors said that, nationally, the care home market remains a fragile one financially, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19.

The document said the rise in the national living wage also remains a key cost pressures for all homes in the borough, with a 2.2 per cent increase announced for 2021/22.

The council said the proposed investment in care fees for 2021/22 would “support the immediate sustainability of local provision in response to identified cost pressures.”

The report reads: “As part of the fee consideration process, a local analysis of potential inflationary cost pressures for 2021/22 was also undertaken, informed by relevant cost submissions inclusive of pay details.

“A reasonable rate to cover anticipated cost pressures, including the announced rise in the national living wage, was identified at 2.2 per cent for residential care and 2.4 per cent for nursing care.

It adds: “The targeted additional investment in nursing care recognises the likely additional inflationary impact of retention and recruitment challenges in relation to nursing posts.”

The council’s cabinet will meet to discuss the proposals on Thursday, April 15.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...