DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

Councils are responsible for recovering expenditure for residential accommodation. This means that if a local authority pays for someone’s care home or residential support, it can ask the person receiving care—or their estate if they have passed away—to contribute toward the costs, depending on their financial situation. The process is done fairly and in line with rules on charging, to make sure public funds are used responsibly while still supporting those who need care.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Adult social care

Finance


Duty type

Public facing


Social determinant of health

Social and community context

Emerging policy and legislation

1

Bodies with shared interest

Audit Scotland
Social Work Scotland

Standards and frameworks


1