Views sought on proposed changes to adult social care charges in Falkirk
A consultation seeking views of local people on possible changes to adult social care charges has been launched, with over 5,000 residents contacted directly.
The consultation asks for feedback on two proposals, seeking feedback on increased charges for some social care and the provision of meals in Housing with Care services.
The first proposal is to increase fees and the maximum people can be charged for care provided at home, in Falkirk Council care homes, at day services, and from the Mobile Emergency Care Service.
The second proposal is to introduce a 5% increase to the cost of meals in Dorrator Court, which is currently the only Housing with Care property that provides meals.
The proposed changes would help reduce a projected budget gap of £14 million over the next five years, raising an additional £704,000 for local services.
By comparing local charges to those in other council areas, the Partnership has found its fees are lower than many other parts of Scotland.
With several projects already underway to make services more efficient and ensure best value for money, the Partnership believes demand is unlikely to be met within existing budgets without significant service change or additional investment from the Scottish Government.
Marie Keirs, Chief Finance Officer, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Local services across Scotland are facing growing financial pressure as the cost of care rises each year, alongside a rise in demand for support.
“We want to make sure our services remain reliable, equitable and sustainable for the future. This is why, as well as the many measures underway to make our services more efficient, we’re proposing proportionate increases to our charges.
“This consultation gives people who receive our care the opportunity to tell us how this might affect them. The more people who take part, the more informed members of our Board and the Council will be when making decisions about our budget.”
The proposals include changes to several charges. Weekly costs for Falkirk Council care homes would rise by 5%, increasing the fee from £1,114.05 to £1,169.75. The hourly charge for non‑personal care at home would also rise by 5%, bringing the new rate to £14.23.
The weekly cap for people over 65 would rise from £33.60 to £53.60, and the weekly cap for people under 65 would rise from £50 to £70. Day care charges would also increase for both age groups. The weekly charge for the Mobile Emergency Care Service would rise by 5% from £5 to £5.25. Meal costs at Dorrator Court would increase by 5% for breakfast, lunch and tea.
The consultation will remain open until 16 February 2026. Residents who receive social care will receive a letter explaining the proposals, inviting them to take part.
As well as support being made available within services to help those affected take part, community drop-in sessions are planned in libraries across the local area.
Anyone can drop-in to the sessions at Grangemouth Library (2nd Feb, 10:30am-1230pm), Larbert Library (5 Feb, 1:30pm-3:30pm), Falkirk Library (10 Feb, 1:30pm-3:30pm), Denny Library (12 Feb, 1030am – 1230pm)
All residents in Falkirk are welcome to take part, whether or not they currently receive care.