Suffolk County Council yesterday (10 March) froze non-residential care charges at last year's levels. The move, which is set to benefit the most vulnerable local residents, was made by Cllr Graham Newman at the Cabinet meeting.

The decision is the latest in a series of recession-busting measures taken by Suffolk County Council in recent months. As a result of yesterday's announcement, charges for homecare, daycare, transport and community meals will all remain static at current levels.

In announcing the move, portfolio holder for Adults and Community Services, Councillor Graham Newman said:
"I am delighted that we have been able to freeze charges for homecare, daycare, transport and community meals across Suffolk. We can do this by making savings from within the service. I am pleased we can pass on the benefit of this prudent management to the people who use our services. At the moment there are financial pressures on families, individuals and businesses; those hit hardest by any increased costs are people on fixed incomes. Yesterday's price freeze is aimed to provide some certainty, and to help those with care costs to plan for and manage the care they need for the year ahead."