Sheltered homescharges dropped

The move covers not only those in local authority sheltered housing but also tenants of registered social landlords.

Housing and social work services convener Councillor Sam Love said: “The move reaffirms our commitment to providing support to those who need it most, and helps alleviate the financial burden often felt by older people

“One of the reasons we agreed to take this approach is in response to the inequity between those who do pay, which can average £17 per person, per week, and those who do not.”

The council, which is Scotland’s biggest social housing landlord, argues that prudent budgeting has allowed it to cut charges.

North Lanarkshire Council says it operates on the principle that people on the lowest levels of income do not pay for the service, while those who do pay contribute according to their means.

Councillor Love said: “Our charges for home support, meals provision and residential and nursing care are among the lowest in Scotland, and unlike many councils, we don’t charge for day care (other than the cost of meals).