Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.

Decisions

1.  That the current policy be fully implemented and that all service users be asked to contribute the full cost of putting in place the arrangements for meeting needs, based on their assessed income and savings.

2. That these changes take effect:

a. for transport provided from 8 September 2019, and

b. for the day care element, to be increased in two stages; 50% for care provided from 8 September, followed by full cost to be payable for care received from 6 October 2019 to provide some mitigation for the move towards the full assessed contribution for meeting care costs.

Reasons for Decisions

The policy with regards to full cost charging was previously agreed by the predecessor Dorset County Council. The proposed implementation date of 8 September 2019 gives enough time for appropriate communications and support for those that would be affected by the changes.

The stepped increase for day care contributions provides some mitigation for the move towards the full assessed contribution to meet care costs.

The Cabinet considered a report by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health proposing the implementation of the charging policy for day care and transport with effect from 8 September 2019 to ensure that all payments made were equitable.  Based upon the current cohort, the implementation of the policy would result in an increase in contributions for 112 people; 65 of whom were self-funders.  A programme of engagement and communication of the changes was proposed and there would be direct contact with each service user affected – and their families – to offer support and guidance.  It was reiterated that all contributions under the policy were based upon the ability of the service user to pay, following a new Financial Assessment to take account of any changes in circumstances and ensure that their income from benefits was maximised.

Decisions

1.  That the current policy be fully implemented and that all service users be asked to contribute the full cost of putting in place the arrangements for meeting needs, based on their assessed income and savings.

2. That these changes take effect:

a. for transport provided from 8 September 2019, and

b. for the day care element, to be increased in two stages; 50% for care provided from 8 September, followed by full cost to be payable for care received from 6 October 2019 to provide some mitigation for the move towards the full assessed contribution for meeting care costs.

Reasons for Decisions

The policy with regards to full cost charging was previously agreed by the predecessor Dorset County Council. The proposed implementation date of 8 September 2019 gives enough time for appropriate communications and support for those that would be affected by the changes.

The stepped increase for day care contributions provides some mitigation for the move towards the full assessed contribution to meet care costs.