This page contains publications and guidance to local authorities on charges for residential accommodation.
The Department can explain the relevant legal framework which applies to charging arrangements. However, the Department of Health cannot comment in detail on individual cases. The responsibility for interpreting and applying the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992 and the Charges for Residential Accommodation Guide (CRAG) rests with local authorities. It is for each local authority to consider the evidence presented and to make the appropriate decision taking into account all the available information, taking its own legal advice where appropriate. Anyone who has a complaint about a local authority's charging decision should take this up with the authority concerned through the authority's statutory complaints procedure.
Enquiries about the framework for charging should be made by e-mail to
Capital assets and income are taken into account when assessing charges for residential care. Legislation and guidance is in place to encourage a fair and consistent approach
Local Authority Circulars on financial assessment for residential accommodation will be found in the Publications section of the website.
Including consent form that councils may use to access detailed benefits information from Pension Service and Jobcentre Plus offices and worked examples of how the Savings Disregard is calculated. The savings disregard examples will be updated shortly to reflect the April 2004 values.
Management and operation of deferred payments, under section 55 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001.
This consultation paper advised the Local Government Association (LGA), councils with social services responsibilities, care trusts and other interested parties of proposed changes to the system for residential care charges which were made in April 2006.
This consultation looked at changes to the financial assessment for residential accommodation. The changes took effect on 4 October 2004. The consultation paper which outlined these changes may be accessed by the links below.
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