Council defers decision on charging for non-residential care
No changes will be made at this time and the proposal will return to Council on 10 December 2025 at the earliest
Published: 24 October 2025
A decision on introducing charges for non-residential care services in East Renfrewshire has been deferred, following a decision by councillors on Wednesday 22 October.
The proposal will now return to Council on 10 December 2025 at the earliest, meaning no changes will be made at this time.
Back in February 2025, Elected Members had agreed to delay implementation until April 2026 and requested an update from the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP). This update included:
- An updated Equalities, Fairness and Rights Impact Assessment (EFRIA)
- Analysis of income maximisation efforts
- A recommended 60% taper on chargeable income
Under legislation and COSLA guidance, Personal Care remains free. Services in scope for charging are primarily social supports such as help with shopping, cooking, travel, or companionship. The Scottish Government's Minimum Income Guarantee ensures individuals retain enough for daily living - currently £170 per week for under 60s and £284 for over 60s. Charges would only apply to income above these thresholds, with the taper applied accordingly.
At Wednesday's Full Council meeting, rather than proceed with the charges an amendment to defer the decision was passed, due to ongoing national discussions on the distribution of council budgets with COSLA. Councillors agreed it was important to await further clarity about funding before making a final decision.
Councillor Owen O'Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'We know families feel strongly about the introduction of charges, and we're taking this decision very seriously. While another deferral may not be what residents hoped for, it's important we have all the facts before making a final decision. I would encourage people to continue to engage with the Money Advice and Rights Team (MART) to make use of their income maximisation services. 30% of those who have completed a financial assessment and income maximisation have seen average gains of £8,500 per year, and the remaining 70% have told us they feel reassured by the process. Their service is free, confidential and non-judgemental and has a long track record of making financial gains for residents. I'd like to thank everyone for their input so far, and for your ongoing patience. East Renfrewshire remains the only council in Scotland not currently charging for non-residential care services, and we recognise the significance of this for our residents. That's why it's important we take the time to fully understand the financial landscape before making any final decisions.'
