Hackney residents face higher care bills as council lifts cap
The weekly £250 charge was removed on 7 September, a step the council says will bring back about £150,000 a year but could push some monthly bills to three‑figure sums.
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Hackney Council announced on 7 September that the weekly £250 limit on non‑residential adult social care charges no longer applies. The decision was taken by the council’s cabinet in December 2025 and came into force despite a public consultation that recorded strong opposition.
Background to the cap
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The cap had been in place for several years, allowing many residents with assets above the £23,250 statutory threshold to pay a reduced fee. Between July and October 2025 the council ran a consultation that attracted responses from 66 per cent of adult social care users. Most respondents expressed concern that higher charges would be unaffordable for low‑income households.
Impact on residents
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke to a self‑funding disabled resident who said his monthly care bill is set to rise from about £1,000 to roughly £3,000. He explained that many people in a similar situation would need to find an extra £2,000 each month or deplete their savings until they fall below the £23,250 asset limit.
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“Bring us in line with the vast majority of other local authorities so that what happens here is exactly the same as what happens over the border in Islington or over the border in Tower Hamlets.”
Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care
Council’s financial rationale
Hackney Council said the removal of the cap will generate about £150,000 a year, helping to offset a sharp rise in demand for adult social care that has grown 40 per cent since 2020. The authority forecasts total adult social care spending of £123 million for 2026/27, representing roughly 16 per cent of its overall budget. Wider reforms to the charging framework are projected to bring back an additional £416,000 annually.
Responses and next steps
Age UK urged older residents to obtain independent advice promptly, noting that many may be eligible for benefits, grants or other support they have not claimed. The charity’s spokesperson said clear information and advocacy are essential for people to understand the support they can receive. Hackney Council told the LDRS that an Equalities Impact Assessment exists and can be provided on request, although the service has not yet received it. Residents who believe the new charges are incorrect can submit a formal challenge to the council’s Adult Social Care team or seek assistance from local charities.
Questions this report answers
+When did Hackney Council remove the adult social care cap?
The council lifted the £250 per week cap on 7 September 2026. The change followed a cabinet decision in December 2025 and was implemented despite a consultation that showed most users opposed the move.
+How much does the council expect to recover from ending the cap?
Hackney Council estimates the policy will bring back roughly £150,000 each year. This recovery is part of a broader set of reforms expected to generate about £416,000 annually in additional savings.
+What could happen to a self‑funding resident’s monthly bill?
A self‑funding disabled resident told the LDRS his care costs could rise from about £1,000 to around £3,000 per month. He warned that many others may face a similar increase and need to find extra cash or reduce savings.
+What options do residents have if they disagree with the new charges?
Residents can request a review of their care charges from Hackney Council’s Adult Social Care department. They may also seek advice from charities such as Age UK, which can help identify benefits or grants that could offset the higher fees.
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