From Monday 4 October, The Highland Council is bringing itself in line with most local councils in Scotland by introducing a flat rate weekly charge for day care services.
The 5 per week charge incorporates the existing transport charge of 50p per journey to a day care centre.
The Council has 1,000 day care service users per week and the estimated annual income to be generated from the full-cost recovery of providing day care services is 230,000.
Initially, day care staff will collect the 5 contribution from users in the same way as they collect other contributions, such as meals. However, the Council will also introduce measures to support payment for services by direct debit, should users wish the charge to be automatically paid through their bank on a monthly basis.
The introduction of the charge was agreed by The Highland Council's Housing and Social Work Committee in May as a means of generating income. It will help make essential day care services sustainable into the future.
Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, said: "Local authorities are facing a challenging financial situation and we are having to make difficult decisions in respect of fees and charges for all services. The Council carefully considered and assessed the impact of introducing any new charges when it was setting the service budget. We are confident users will see this modest weekly charge as very good value, and it ensures we are able to continue this much-used and valued service."
She said the Council is committed to modernising day services to support earlier intervention and community-based support, together with the provision of more intensive services for those who require them.