Explaining a fee increase to residents and families

Here is a draft, about 120 words, that you can adapt.

What care costs, and why fees rise each April

"In Kent, the cost of providing a place in a care home is about £158 a day. That covers care, food, heating and running the building. Roughly 82% goes on staff, 4% on food, 3% on energy and 11% on other costs.

Fees are reviewed each April because the National Living Wage rises then. Last April it went up 4.1% to £12.71 an hour. Pay rises for the whole team and higher employer National Insurance follow from that. Food and energy costs also affect the total.

We set fees to cover these costs and keep staffing safe. We will always explain any change before it takes effect."

Sources: Orrery fee-explain guide for Kent (cost of care of £157.69 a day, staff 82%, food 4%, energy 3%, other 11%). The Kent Care Market Report gives the 4.1% and £12.71 figures.

Before you publish:

• The £157.69 is a modelled figure for Kent, not your home's own cost. Swap in your own figure if you can.
• Don't quote the council rate (£1,187 a week) to families. It is a different fee.

This is an explanation of the data, not advice. Check the wording of any fee letter with your adviser.