Decision details

The Council must submit a Market Sustainability Plan to the Department for Health & Social Care by 14 October 2022. This plan will establish Dorset's approach to ensuring the sustainability of the local market in older people's residential and nursing care, and of domiciliary care for all adults.

(i)             That the issues highlighted in the sustainability of local social care services, and the interventions proposed, be noted.

(ii)            That the Market Sustainability Plan (attached to the report of 4 October 2022) for submission to the Department for Health & Social Care, be approved.

(iii)          As part of the plan, Cabinet approve the approach to the future uplifting of usual rates paid for key categories of adult social care services, always subject to available budget.

(iv)          That the proposal to submit the final plan for second review by the People & Health Overview Committee ahead of submission in February 2023, be noted and, on that basis

(v)           Authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People (Adults & Housing), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care & Health and the Executive Director of Corporate Development, to approve for submission the final version of the plan in February 2023, subject to any amendments not being of significant additional financial impact to the Council.

Reason for the decision

As set out in section 5 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to promote the efficient and effective operation of a market in services for meeting care and support needs, with a view to ensuring services are diverse, sustainable and high quality for the local population, including those who pay for their own care