Are there additional charges for sheltered housing?
Yes. There are additional charges associated with sheltered housing which are for the sheltered housing warden and telecare service. However, there are no separate charges for these services, the charge for the warden and telecare service is included in the rent.
Are sheltered housing charges covered by Housing Benefit?
Yes, if you receive Housing Benefit to cover your rent, this will also cover the charge for the warden and telecare service.
What are the charges?
The charges for the warden and telecare service, as at April 2010, are:
- £21.05 per week for 7 day a week warden service plus 24 hours a day, 7 day a week telecare service
- £17.89 per week for 5 day a week warden service plus 24 hours a day, 7 day a week telecare service
- £5 per week for telecare service only – this is an alarm call system which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Please note: these charges are reviewed annually in line with annual reviews of rent.
Can I choose the level of service and charge I want in sheltered housing?
The level of warden service you will receive in sheltered housing is already established for each individual sheltered housing scheme. For example, if the warden service is for 7 days a week in a particular sheltered housing scheme, this is the level of service you will receive and you will be charged accordingly. There is currently no flexibility to change the level of service you receive within a sheltered housing scheme.