Agenda item

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 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 and 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, as changes to the non-residential charging policy from April 2020 which are also detailed further in Section 3.

3.    Approve the recommended policy changes from the date of implementation for a period of 2 years. The policy will not be reviewed within the two years unless there are statutory requirements to do so.

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 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.

It was reported that the following recommendations had been received from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board following its meeting on 20 December 2019:-

·         That an update report on the implementation of the policy be submitted to the Health Select Commission after twelve months of operation in April 2021.

·         That Cabinet ensure that all future consultation and engagement exercises which involve drop-in sessions for the public be arranged in locations which are in the north, south and centre of the borough, with specific consideration to be given to using Members to facilitate consultation events, where appropriate.

Resolved:-

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

(i)            Note the outcome of the consultation as set out in detail in Appendix 3.

(ii)          Approve 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 and 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, as changes to the non-residential charging policy from April 2020 which are also detailed further in Section 3.

(iii)         Approve the recommended policy changes from the date of implementation for a period of 2 years. The policy will not be reviewed within the two years unless there are statutory requirements to do so.

2.    That the following recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board be supported:-

(i)            That an update report on the implementation of the policy be submitted to the Health Select Commission after twelve months of operation in April 2021.

(ii)          That Cabinet ensure that all future consultation and engagement exercises which involve drop-in sessions for the public be arranged in locations which are in the north, south and centre of the borough, with specific consideration to be given to using Members to facilitate consultation events, where appropriate.