Hundreds of tenants face care alarm price hike

Sheffield City Council plans to raise the monthly cost of its emergency care alarm service for nearly 1,200 older and disabled tenants in independent living accommodation. The increase would help cover the cost of a service that supports residents to live safely at home, but could add pressure for people on fixed incomes.

From January 2027, the weekly charge will rise from £4.44 to £7.29, collected over a 50-week charging year. The charge is part of tenants’ agreements and they cannot opt out; it has been unchanged for nine years, while the council expects a £167,000 shortfall in 2026/27. Of 57 consultation respondents, 41 raised concerns about affordability, the size of the increase, limited use of the service or being unable to opt out. The council says it will direct tenants to financial and benefits support, and the housing committee is due to discuss the report.