DORSET residents are being asked to share their views on charges for social care ahead of changes introduced by the Care Act in April.

Most of changes the act will bring are legal requirements but there are some aspects councils like Dorset County Council can decide at a local level, which include:

• The level of certain charges that will apply for people who can afford to pay for services.

• The circumstances when the county council will give a refund to people who miss a service due to illness or other absence.

• Charges for the carers’ short breaks service.

• Administration charges and interest rates that will apply to the new Deferred Payment Agreement (loan) scheme.

A public consultation is now under way and the council is keen to hear from people about the proposals before any changes are made.

Cllr Jill Haynes, the cabinet member for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: “Designed to put people in control of their care and support, the Act represents the most significant reform in the law about adult social care for decades.

“It will place new duties and responsibilities on local authorities, including Dorset County Council, about care and support for adults and their carers.

“The county council’s annual grant from the government is going down in real terms, while the demand for our services – and the cost of providing them – is going up.

“We have to save £45 million by 2017/18, and want to spend what we have in the areas where people tell us it will make the most difference to them and the people they care for."

The results of the consultation will help us shape how the Care Act legislation is delivered at a local level.”

To complete the online survey go to dorsetforyou.com/care-act- consultation. Hard copies are available from libraries or by calling Dorset County Council on 01305 224646.

The consultation ends on March 16.