Bath and North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce a framework to make sure that residents with eligible needs are allocated funding fairly and in a way that is easy to understand, and it is looking for the views from Midsomer Norton residents on how to do this.

A ten-week consultation, which begins on September 24 and runs until December 3, will find out what people think about the proposals for a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework and make sure that their views are taken into account before the Framework is finalised.

In Midsomer Norton there will be drop-in sessions on two days for people to give their views in person.

These will both be in the Council Chamber in The Hollies, with the first day being October 2 from 4.30pm to 6pm and then from 7.30pm to 8pm, and the second day being October 3 from 2.30pm to 4pm and then from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Currently, approximately 2,100 adults in Bath and North East Somerset are in need of social care services, both in care homes and at home.

This is a chargeable service that the council wants to ensure is transparent, consistent and in line with other local authorities.

Although there are clear guidelines for councils to follow, some charging decisions are at the council's discretion and it is these that are being examined.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for adult services and health, said: "It is really important that our residents are treated fairly and that they receive the right service for their eligible needs.

"With this proposed framework, we aim to ensure that we provide a transparent and consistent process and allocate our resources fairly to meet those needs. It is also important to ensure we are compliant with current legislation.

"We welcome people's views on the proposals, so I am encouraging as many people as possible to respond to the consultation, including individuals with care needs, carers and their families, agencies, social workers and anyone who has an interest in adult and social care across Bath and North East Somerset."

As well as the drop-in sessions in Midsomer Norton, a hard copy of the consultation document is available at the council's one stop shops and libraries.

Full information on the Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework, including proposed changes, can also be found by emailing [email protected].