PENSIONERS who pay for their care can voice their views on the future of the Minimum Income Guarantee.

Shropshire Council previously agreed to ask those who receive the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) whether it should retain or reduce the amount provided.

The council says that for past two years it has been able to support people to keep more of their income, but is facing a predicted £8.3m annual increase over the next five years.

MIG refers to the minimum amount of money that a person using adult social care services (other than a care home) must be left with to pay for everyday living costs, after they have contributed to the cost of their care.

People who receive Shropshire Council-funded care receive a financial assessment to see if they can afford to pay something towards the cost.

The statutory minimum income for pensioners, set by the UK Government for 2018/19, is £189 per week for a single person and £144.30 per week for a member of a couple.

While the MIG for those of working age has remained in line with the statutory minimum, Shropshire Council’s MIG for people of pensionable age is already set above statutory required levels.

The current application of MIG means that a single person of pensionable age might be left with £194.50 a week to live on.

A member of a couple of pensionable age might be left with £148.50 to live on.

Pensioners are being asked to give their views on two options before a final decision is made.

Option one - to keep the present MIG level and increase the amount people pay towards their care in line with benefits increases - would generate around £250,000 extra each year for care and support.

But the council's preferred option - changing the MIG level - would see people keep less of their money because more will go towards care, but it would create an extra £467,000 each year.

A council spokesman said that the MIG for people of working age is already set at the Government minimum level, meaning that option two would mean people of pensionable age are treated in the same way as people of working age.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, said: “We understand the challenges and possible impact these proposals can have on people, and it has not been an easy decision to put forward these proposals.

“I would encourage all residents of affected by these proposals to take part in our consultation. We want to find out which option people prefer.

Shropshire Council prefers option two. The council likes option two because it is in line with the national level, treats all people the same (whether working age or not), and raises more income to put back into paying for essential council services.

"But we want to see what others think and whether there is another option. Any changes we make will be subject to a review after three years.

“The views of individuals will be very carefully considered as part of the consultation process before any decisions are made.

“We must stress that we remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable people and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect those affected by any changes to the minimum income guarantee.

“All charges to individuals are based on a financial assessment to ensure we only charge people who can contribute to their care. If a person’s income is very low (below the MIG), they are not charged anything for their care.”

To view the consultation document, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/minimum-income-guarantee-individuals-and-carers.