Agenda item

[Helen Winfield, Head of Service – Community Financial Support, to present report on the review of contributions to non-residential adult social care]

Helen Winfield, Head of Service – Community Financial introduced a report in relation to the review of contributions to non-residential adult social care, the outcome of public consultation and the final proposals

The report gave details on the outcome of the public consultation, approved by Cabinet on 19 July 2017, on the review of contributions to non-residential adult social care which took place from 4 September 2017 to 26 November 2017.  The consultation was later than the original dates proposed (24 July to 15 October) in order to avoid the summer holiday period and therefore maximise participation.

The report also set out revised proposals, following consultation, for a scheme based on individual financial assessment to replace the current banded contributions scheme for those in receipt of non-residential council support under the provisions of the Care Act 2014. 

Following the consultation, it was now proposed that instead of a 20% disregard of disability benefits for DRE which would involve different amounts being applied dependent on the level of disability benefits received, a standard disregard of £12.00 per week be allowed for all service users in receipt of a disability benefit plus a 30% disregard of the enhanced disability premium (EDP) where it was included in a person’s individual MIG. 

Currently, the EDP was £15.90 and therefore the disregard would be £4.77 per week.  Those service users with more significant DRE would still be able to request an enhanced financial assessment which would look at all evidenced DRE to consider higher disregards where applicable.  However, with standard disregards at this level it was anticipated that such assessments would be kept to a minimum.

Officers referred to the case studies which provided examples of what a person might be expected to pay under the proposed new and old scheme.

Section 7.1 showed a table which highlighted the current scheme, the  proposed individual assessment and then a summary of changes.

Appendix 1 of the report addressed concerns brought up regarding the asking of intrusive questions. This would be an Individual assessment but there would still be a standard regard to avoid those intrusive questions.

The Panel considered that even though the disability related expenditure covered a huge range and negated the need for intrusive questions for some people this might not be sufficient for all people and the question was raised as to whether there was an appeals process.

Officers confirmed that there was not an appeals process at that point but an enhanced financial assessment could be carried out.

The Panel congratulated Officers on the report.

Resolved:      That the comments of the Panel be noted.