Decision details

Latest Update:

Decision due date changed from 01/02/2014 to not before 16/06/2014.  Reason: Decision has been delayed in order to fully consider the implications of the Social Care Act 2014.  This consideration has taken place and a decision is now scheduled for 16 June 2014

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To seek agreement to change the policy on Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) for Residential Care to state that a resident will (providing they meet the other criteria) be eligible for TFA once their liquid capital and income can only support their care costs for three months

The decision by KCC to offer, on a discretionary basis, temporary funding for people unable to access funds (usually because they are tied up in property) is directly compatible with Kent’s Bold Step to “tackle disadvantage”.  It is also in line with the corporate objective of supporting people to access the care and support they need.  The current official policy is that an individual must wait until their liquid assets have reduced to £3,000 before they become eligible for TFA.  This threshold has not changed for several years and it is now thought to be too low, particularly for people whose weekly income is low.  For such people there may not be enough time for KCC to process the necessary agreement and to take over the contract with the home. 
Financial Implications:  It is not possible to predict accurately the financial implications of the proposed change to the policy.  Finance believes it will provide a longer period to arrange for a charge to be placed on the resident’s property before KCC begins funding.  This is a good thing as it ensures our debt is secure. There are currently less than 100 people receiving TFA.  The numbers are not expected to increase due to this change, rather people will be able to start the process of getting help earlier. 
Legal Implications:  The revision to the policy is entirely in line with KCC’s duties under the National Assistance Act 1948, in particular sections 21 and 22.
Equality Implications:  The proposed change will benefit all service users.

As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, I AGREE:

To change the policy on Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) to state that a resident will (providing they meet the other criteria) be eligible for TFA once their liquid capital and income can only support their care costs for three months.