Issue - meetings

Nigel Parr, Team Manager, presented a report on the stocktake that had been completed as part of the Local Government Association’s national audit of progress in implementation of the Care Act.  The results of the stocktake of all local authorities would be used to inform the Local Government Association’s understanding of Councils’ concerns, if any, with regard to the implementation of the Care Act in 2015/16.

The initial estimate on the impact of additional demand for early assessments and carers assessments had been completed using a model developed by Lincolnshire County Council as requested by the Department of Health and ADASS. 

The Government had recently issued a consultation on the funding formula for the new burdens of implementing the Care Act in 2015/16 in respect of additional assessments, introduction of universal deferred payment agreements and social care in prisons.

Both proposed options would result in a reduction in funding for Rotherham of between £292,000 and £370,000 in 2015/16 compared to what was illustrated in the December 2013 financial settlement.  It was expected that there would be an increase in carer’s assessments and staff time in carrying out assessments.

It was forecast that the estimated cost to the Council of implementing the Care Act would be £727,000 together with a further estimated cost associated with demographic and inflationary pressures of £2M for 2015/16.

Once the national criteria was known, consideration would be given to the training and supporting of staff.  There would be need for enhanced work with other agencies.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Council continue to consult and work with all partners to ensure that there was successful implementation of the Care Act with the resource implications of the Act to be assessed and planned for.

(2)  That the Cabinet Member be kept informed of any developments or pressures arising.