This might be meals on wheels, home care, or going to a day centre.

Under Section 17 of the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983, the local authority social services department can charge you for services which they arrange or provide to help you stay in your own home. 

Each local authority can decide whether it wishes to charge for these services and, if so, how much. Local authorities must ensure that their charging policies meet the requirements set out in the guidance. 

Any charge must be ‘reasonable’ for you to pay, and you have the right to ask your local authority to reduce the amount you are being asked to pay or waive it altogether if the amount is not ‘reasonable’ for you to pay. 

You can alternatively use private home-care agencies, which you will have to pay for, however, you will not need  to have a financial or community care assessment. For further information see Age Concern Factsheet 46 or Contact Information and Advice.