A CONSULTATION has been launched on proposed changes to a scheme which helps people pay for residential care.

East Sussex County Council plans to change its deferred payment scheme to fit with the Government’s new Care Act, which comes into law in April.

The scheme offers a deferred payment agreement – a loan of money to homeowners who have to pay the full cost of their care because of the value of their home.

The proposals include changes to how people pay set-up and administration charges, extending the scheme to include extra care and sheltered housing and allowing loans of greater value in exceptional circumstances.

The changes, which will bring the scheme into line with the new national rules, will not affect people who are already signed up to a loan.

Keith Hinkley, East Sussex County Council director of adult social care, said: “Whenever we propose changes such as these, we need to give people the chance to view the proposals and give us their views.

“The important thing to stress is that people who are already signed up to a deferred payment agreement will see no change and these proposals, if approved, will only affect new applicants to the scheme.”

The consultation runs until Tuesday, February 24 2015. A decision on the recommendations will be made by Cllr Bill Bentley, lead member for adult social care, in March and a new scheme will be in place for Wednesday, April 1 2015.

People can have their say on the proposals online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay