Struggling care homes could be set for a cash boost to battle rising costs.
Brighton and Hove City Council will consider a proposal to raise fees paid to homes caring for its adult social care clients by an above-inflation 5%.
The increase would take effect in April and would not leave residents with bigger bills.
Francis Tonks, vice-chair of the Brighton and Hove Older People’s Council, said: “There are a lot of very frail elderly people in Brighton and Hove and anything that can be done to help them is good.
“We have had awful stories of care homes recently providing poor care so I hope some of the money will go towards training staff to become caring and compassionate so elderly people can enjoy their final years in dignity.”
Councillor Rob Jarrett, cabinet member for adult social care and health, will consider the proposal at a meeting on March 12.
It would apply to care homes in Brighton and Hove for older people and for people with physical disabilities and mental health needs.
Both residential care homes and nursing homes for people with nursing needs would benefit.
The move is in recognition of the increased costs of utility bills and food faced by care homes.
Salary boost
But Coun Jarrett is also expected to insist that some of the extra money must be used to boost the salaries of the lowest-paid staff.
Coun Jarrett said: “The fees we pay have traditionally been higher than those paid by neighbouring councils.
“We understand the pressures care homes are currently facing, and we want to make sure they can continue to deliver good quality care services for local people while paying all their staff a proper living wage.”
Councillor Jarrett will also consider a proposed 2% increase in fees to day service providers and for people using direct payments to employ staff.
In these areas staff work mainly in the homes of clients, and do not have the same overheads as care homes.
New rates have already been set for home care providers.
These will come into effect when the council’s new home care contract starts in June.
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