DEMAND on care homes in St Helens is “slacking”, possibly due to increasing top-up fees, the borough’s portfolio holder for adult social care has said.

Cllr Marlene Quinn, Labour ward councillor for West Park, told cabinet this week that she will investigate which homes have increased top-up fees following complaints from residents.

She said the increases can put a “big pressure” on some families.

“The demand seems to be slacking a little now in people wanting to go in,” Cllr Quinn said.

“I want to look into that because I’ve heard a few things from families where a couple of homes are increasing top-up fees and can’t afford it.

“So, I’m going to work with officers and look at that to see how many are charging this additional money because it can put a big pressure on some families, not all.”

Despite the concerns, the council’s latest budget and performance report said the number of people aged 65 or over who have been admitted on a permanent basis to a residential or nursing care is actually above target.

On the whole, Cllr Quinn said St Helens’ care home market is in a “stable” position.

Cllr Quinn said: “Many boroughs, many towns are suffering with pressures.

“Care homes are closing because of lack of resources or CQC going out there and not rating them high.

“St Helens is very fortunate in many ways that we do a relatively stable position with our care homes.

“All be it some need to improve, but they are stable.”

Cllr Quinn said the authority has a “vast range” of domiciliary care options, which has worked to the council’s advantage regarding St Helens Cares.

The new social care system recently received national recognition at the Municipal Journal (MJ) Achievement Awards 2018.

“We’re all working together, ” Cllr Quinn said.

“We’re keeping people out of hospital or getting them out quicker where they want to be in their home or in a transitional property.”

Cllr Quinn also revealed the council recently received an award of £500,00 towards additional transitional tenancies.

“They’re invaluable to our community now and the hospital trusts,” Cllr Quinn said.

“More importantly it’s vital that a person, an elderly person or disabled person that’s been admitted to hospital, gets out as soon as they want to.

“So, we are working on that.”