Agenda item

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 the Board.

Concerns were expressed in respect of the approach to consulting on the proposals, with comments made to note that a sense of broader public opinion was captured in a less formal way. It was also noted that no consultation sessions had been held in the south of the borough, although this was corrected by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health who referenced a session which had taken place in Maltby. Furthermore, the consultation had been deemed as fit for purpose and the feedback had been used to develop the proposals presented for determination in the report.

Members sought to understand the specific feedback in the consultation from unpaid carers. Whilst this information was not able to be provided in the meeting. It was later confirmed by the Assistant Director of Strategic Commissioning that it would not be possible to provide such a specific breakdown.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2.    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.

3.    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.