WARRINGTON Borough Council has reviewed the costs of its 24 hour community alarm service and is set to increase charges to ensure its continued provision into the future.
But the increased charges will be partly offset by free installation, which currently costs £40.
Carecall operates 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, enabling older and vulnerable people to stay independent and living in their own homes.
The current cost for the service is £40 for installation and set-up of the system then a flat rate of £2.83 or £2.89 per week.
The cost will now increase to £3.50 per week. However, the £40 installation fee will be removed and systems will be installed free of charge as a way of making the service more accessible for more people.
Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and social care, said: “Carecall is a very cost effective service that enables people, especially older and more vulnerable individuals, to live independently in their own home, for as long as possible, providing peace of mind for both the individual and their relatives or carers.
“We have spoken extensively to service users who have indicated a broad acceptance of the price increase. They understand the value of the service and the difference it makes to their lives by helping them to feel more confident about living at home.”
“We believe the new pricing structure offers value for money and is competitive with other local authority areas. While we never want to increase costs for our residents, the new pricing structure is designed to ensure sustainability and the opportunity for further development.”
The service has previously been used by Golden Gates Housing Trust/Torus Housing for older people living in their properties at a subsidised rate.
The changes to Carecall prices are driven mostly by Torus Housing installing a new system into their properties, from April 1, to be funded through housing benefit for eligible tenants.
Warrington Borough Council’s executive board approved the new pricing structure at a meeting on Monday.
The full implementation of the price increase will be carried out in stages over the next 10 months, with the new charges coming into place from October 1.
