Issue - meetings

-        Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services to report.

Further to Minute No. 21 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care held on 25th July, 2011, Councillor Doyle, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services, which detailed how at their meeting on the 2nd March 2011 Members endorsed the Council’s budget setting proposals, which included proposals to increase non residential social care charges.

These proposals were subject to a consultation exercise and a report back to the Cabinet Member in due course.

The financial information and risks and uncertainties associated with these charge increases were set out in detail as part of the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the increase in the maximum charge limit from £200.00 to £230.00 per week be approved.

(2)  That the withdrawal of the disposable income allowance and the increase in the hourly home care charge from £12.85 to £13.90 be noted.

Further to Minute No. 77 of 11^th April, 2011, the Business Finance and Commissioning Manager reported that, as part of the Council’s budget setting process, it had been agreed that consultation take place on proposals to increase non-residential Social Care charges which included:-

-        Withdrawal of the disposal income allowance currently 20%

-        Increase the maximum charge limit from £200 to £250 per week

-        An increase in the hourly Home Care charge from £12.85 to £13.90.

1 in 4 people had responded to the consultation exercise with the majority of customers agreeing that it was fair to ask people to pay more to cover the reductions in Council funding.  More agreed than fully disagreed with the increase in the hourly Home Care charge and less than half of customers fully disagreed with the reduction in the special income allowance and with the increase in the maximum charge limit.

Discussion ensued on the proposed increases with the following points highlighted:-

-        The proposed increase in maximum charge limit would affect those with in excess of £23,000 savings i.e. 9 people would have to pay the extra £50

-        Unfair to compare charges with those of neighbouring authorities due to differing eligibility criteria

-        Demands on disposal income with regard to increased fuel and food prices

-        There may be an initial “drop off” in clients accessing services

-        Anyone declining a service because of cost  would be reviewed to ensure they were in receipt of their correct benefit entitlement

Resolved:-  (1)  That the withdrawing of the disposal income allowance, currently 20%, be approved.

(2)  That the hourly Home Care charge be increased from £12.85 to £13.90.

Recommended:-  (3)  That the Cabinet be requested to consider increasing the maximum charge limit from £200.00 to £230.00 per week.