It's not fees that are the problem it's top ups,
'Sometimes, a person chooses a care home that costs more than the local authority would normally pay for someone with their assessed needs. If you are in this situation, the local authority should make arrangements for you to move to your chosen care home, but only if someone else, or in some circumstances you, can make up the difference between what the local authority would usually pay and the care home’s fees. This third-party contribution is known as ‘top-up fees’.'
says someone else has to pay top ups.
'some circumstances' in England are s117 funding, 12 week disregard, and DPA if written into agreement.
'Sometimes, a person chooses a care home that costs more than the local authority would normally pay for someone with their assessed needs. If you are in this situation, the local authority should make arrangements for you to move to your chosen care home, but only if someone else, or in some circumstances you, can make up the difference between what the local authority would usually pay and the care home’s fees. This third-party contribution is known as ‘top-up fees’.'
says someone else has to pay top ups.
'some circumstances' in England are s117 funding, 12 week disregard, and DPA if written into agreement.