Decision details

Approval of proposed changes to the Charging Policy for Home Care and other Non-Residential Care and Support

How the decision relates to Corporate Objectives:

The policy changes would contribute to KCC’s ability to provide services to people with care and support needs and is in line with the approved budget/MTFP for 2017/18.

Financial Implications:

The KCC budget for 2017/18 referenced a savings target which will be detailed in the report presented to the Adult Social Care and Health Cabinet Committee on 14 March 2017.

Legal Implications:

Section 14 of the Care Act 2014 sets out the local authority power to charge for meeting needs under section 18 of the Care Act 2014.

Equality Implications:

We have adhered to KCC’s legal obligations as defined in the Equality Act 2010 and KCC’s Equality and Diversity Objectives 2016 -2020.  An equality impact assessment has been completed which will be taken into account in the decision-making.

Is the matter referred to in your Business Plan or Medium Term Capital Programme?

No

As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health I

a) APPROVE the proposed changes to the Charging Policy for Home Care and other non-residential care and support to:

            1) Change the rules on the treatment of savings/other capital between £14,250 and £23,250 so that £1 per week for every £250 between these two amounts is taken into account (rather than the current £1 for every £500).

            2) Change the current policy on the treatment of any second or more properties so that they are treated as capital in the financial calculation.  It is proposed that this applies to new clients from April 2017 and existing clients from April 2018.

            3) Introduce an Arrangement Fee for people who have over the capital  threshold, currently £23,250, (and who therefore must pay the full cost of their care) but who nevertheless request KCC to make the arrangements for their care (as is permitted under the Care Act 2014).

b) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to undertake the necessary actions to implement the decision.