Issue details

It was proposed to increase the Lifeline charges by 10% for the financial year 2023/24. This is 5% above the Council wide price increase for fees and changes which has been agreed at 5%.

This price increase is in line with current inflation figures and would bring the cost of the lifeline unit and pendant to £4.40 per week (40p per week increase). This increase would continue to ensure the service is competitively priced against our main competitors.

All customers will be switched to a new Digital Lifeline in the next two years. This will involve capital expenditure of 120,000 pounds over the next two financial years. In order to make the project viable the aim is to reach a target fee for the Lifeline of £4.75 per week by 2025/2026.

Due to the current volatility of inflation rates we are unable to predict future inflation levels. However, it is recognised that inflation levels may reduce in subsequent years. This will mean the target income of £4.75 by 2025 2026 will easily achieved with lower % price increases in subsequent years.