A major shake-up of the way clients are charged for vital social services is ready to be launched in Southend.

Councillors have been urged to back moves to introduce a fairer payment system, based on a person's ability to pay - a means-testing system already introduced by Essex County Council.

Currently, the borough charges one flat rate for various social services - and it does not entirely depend on income.

However, the new policy will extend charges for all non-residential care services such as transport to day centres and orange badges.

Director of social services Jane Held stressed the aim of the overhaul was to simplify the system, minimise administration costs and spearhead a fairer payment policy for clients.

She added: "The Government expects all local authorities to charge service users for social services.

"The rules on charges for people in residential care are set by the Government, but it is up to the local authority to decide how to charge for the rest. The system we have at present does not relate to people's ability to pay and does not meet the council's objectives well."

Ms Held insisted the new policy would protect services by reducing the level of subsidy and slashing the overall costs.

She added: "I must stress that all services will continue to be heavily subsidised. We are recommending a policy that means nobody will be expected to pay more than it costs us to provide a service.

"For the vast majority, the charge will be substantially less than the service costs.

"We will also be ensuring that anyone who is likely to be charged is given full benefits advice and help to claim all the benefits they are entitled to before we assess them for a charge."

Southend's social services committee will debate the changes on Tuesday night.

If agreed, a public consultation will kick into action over the proposals from the end of July through to August.

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