Resolved – That the rates as set out in sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 of this report be approved and applied, with effect from 1 April 2023, to services commissioned by Wirral Council and jointly commissioned services between Wirral Council and NHS Cheshire and Mersey Integrated Care Board (Wirral Place), in relation to Residential and Nursing Care, Supported Living, Extra Care, Care and Support at Home, Direct Payments and Shared Lives.

The Council undertakes a fee setting engagement exercise on an annual basis, where rates and fees proposals are consulted upon with the community care market, this exercise ran between 14 December 2022 and 13 January 2023.

Wirral 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. 1.3 Wirral submitted their outcome of the National Fair Cost of Care exercise as required on 14 October 2022. Future funding is predicated on this timely return.

Not to undertake an annual engagement exercise. The consequence of this would be that the community care market would not be able to provide feedback to officers on proposed rates and fees.

The Council could have proposed other alternative fee rate levels, which may not have met the needs of the market or been affordable.

The Council could have not applied allocated funds for the Fair Cost of Care exercise but understands that allocated funds will support the care market.