Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Recommendations:-

That approval be given as set out below to make changes to the non-residential charging policy.

1.    Note the outcome of the consultation as set out in detail in Appendix 3.

2.    Approve Proposal 2 - Under  ...  view the full agenda text for item 77

Consideration was given to a report which presented policy proposals in respect charges for non-residential adult care services following a detailed consultation process with the public, service users and support agencies which had taken place between July and September 2019. The report provided details in respect of the feedback received  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Adult Social Care and Heath

Strategic Directorate:           Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Consideration was given to a report which was submitted for pre-decision scrutiny ahead of the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 23 December 2019, that presented policy proposals in respect charges for non-residential adult care services following a detailed consultation process with the public, service users and support agencies which had taken place between July and September 2019. The report provided details in respect of the feedback received during the consultation. 

It was reported that in December 2018, the Cabinet had previously approved consultation with service users, carers, providers and support agencies to inform proposed changes to the current policy and provide opportunities for feedback on the proposals set out below:-

·         Proposal 1 - To remove the current maximum charge and to charge those people who can afford it the full cost of the services that are provided to them

·         Proposal 2 - Under the new framework, those who can afford it would be charged for the total number of carers attending and providing services, which would mean introducing a charge where more than one carer is provided at the same time

·         Proposal 3 - It is proposed that the liability for charges be from the date on which the service commences, so people will be asked to pay the accrued charges for the services they have received following completion of a financial assessment

·         Proposal 4 - To include the full value high rate Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance, or the enhanced daily living component of Personal Independence Payments, when carrying out non-residential financial assessments

·         Proposal 5 – To review our current policy to determine whether our allowance is fair and equitable across Rotherham and to consider putting in place a standard list or rate of allowances, in line with our neighbouring authorities.

It was noted that a number of responses were received after the closing date of the consultation on 29 September 2019, but these had also been included on the basis that it was important to capture as many views as possible from those affected or potentially affected by the proposed changes.

Members sought to understand the impact of the changes on individuals and requested clarification on whether the changes applied to people living in their own homes and how their ability to pay would be assessed. In response, it was confirmed that there were minimum income guarantees in place for service users still resident in their own homes. Furthermore, financial assessments were expected to be undertaken within three weeks of the service need being established with the user. Officers would be mindful of individual circumstances and each case would be assessed on its merit with the aim of causing hardship to individuals. Officers reiterated that the safety of the service user was the paramount consideration for the Adult Care service and was a requirement under the Care Act 2014. Members were reassured that service users would be advised by experienced officers in respect of changes to two charging processes, which was at the essence of the report before  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96