Lewisham Council is consulting on plans that could increase adult social care charges across the borough.

The consultation, which runs until January 25, asks residents to consider the proposals as Lewisham Council tries to find £85m in savings across its whole budget over the next three years - £1 in every £3.

Proposed changes include abolishing a £500 per week cap on charges for social care services, introducing charging for supported accommodation and respite care provided at home, plus increasing day centre attendance and meals on wheels costs by 2.5 per cent.

The council may also change the income support buffer from 35 per cent to 25 per cent - hitting more users with charges - and factoring in all of users' disposable income when deciding how much people should pay.

A spokesman said: "In Lewisham, some people who receive social care services pay for or contribute to the cost of their care and support. Currently there are rules on how services are charged for and how the contributions made by service users are calculated.
 
"The proposals in the consultation are considering changes to these rules and calculations and could affect people who receive home care, day care and those who have direct payments. Residential care, equipment and adaptations to homes are not affected.
 
"The council is keen to hear from as many service users and their families as possible. All those who receive adult social care and might be affected by these changes have been written to with details of the consultation. Other local organisations, including advocacy and voluntary groups in Lewisham have also been asked to comment on the proposals."

Public meetings will be held at the Mulberry Centre, Amersham Vale, New Cross, on December 18 from 10am to 12pm and Catford's civic suite from 7pm to 9pm on January 15.

Lewisham Speaking Up, a group for people with learning disabilities, will discuss it from 10am to 12.30pm on January 16 at Deptford's Albany.

To have your say online, visit lewisham.gov.uk/asccharges