Resolved – That

1)  approval be given to the rates that apply to services commissioned by Wirral Council and jointly commissioned services between Wirral Council and NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), in relation to Residential and Nursing, Supported Living, Extra Care, Care and Support at home and Direct Payments, as detailed in the report.

2)  approval be given to the backdating of the rates to apply from 1 April 2021.

The Council undertakes a fee setting engagement exercise on an annual basis, where rates and fees proposals are shared with the community care market, this exercise ran between 8 March 2021 and 11 April 2021 and is complete.

The Council has maintained a considered balance between the cost of care,

maximising value for the Wirral pound, whilst considering local factors, quality and meeting needs of Wirral residents.

Not to undertake an annual engagement exercise.

Officers have been supported by an external partner Cipfa C.Co to undertake a pre-engagement exercise.

The Council has shared the fee models with care providers. It has responded to the issues raised during the consultation period, reflecting on the proposed changes and stated the reasons for its proposals. Accordingly, the final proposal is reasonable and is well considered.

The Council could have proposed other alternative fee rate levels.