Prior to consideration of the item the leader gave the home owners the opportunity to speak if they so wished. This opportunity was declined.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Social Services detailing the outcome and process of consultation with independent residential and nursing home care providers regarding cost modelling for the sector; presenting options and recommendations with regard to fees paid by the Council to independent sector residential and nursing homes and seeking authorisation for the approved fee proposal to be consulted on. The proposals would contribute to the Council priority to safeguard vulnerable adults and promote choice and control.

Councillor Phil Davies informed the Cabinet that unfortunately Councillor McArdle was unable to attend the meeting but indicated that she had a keen interest in the issue. Councillor P Davies indicated that due regards needed to be given in relation to the cost of care and sought assurances that appropriate consultation had taken place with care home owners. Councillor Davies indicated that Cabinet Members had received the papers from Wirral Care Homes Association and were aware of their views on the proposed Option 2, however, discussions needed to be held to look at the cost of provision and the return of profit. Option two detailed within the report would put Wirral in the mid range with other authorities.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the fee framework reflecting actual cost as set out in Option 2, be presented to providers for consultation with a further report to be presented to Cabinet on 29 November taking account of the views of providers prior to final agreement and implementation;

(2)  all old contracts based on 2010/11 be terminated by giving the required 3 months written termination notice and that all payments following this period are made at the fee level set for 2012/2013;

(3)  the Council only contract for residential and nursing care using the current contract;

(4)  once residential and nursing rates are agreed further work be undertaken to establish variations to the model for specialist providers;

(5)  the revised fees are back dated to 9 April 2012 and financial contingencies be explored to allow this to be achieved within the Council’s budget; and as a consequence of this work the agreed fee levels be built into the budget 2013/2014;

(6)  all new top ups be made to be part of the contract to be managed by the Council with effect from April 2013; and

(7)  Service users be advised of the new rates and charges to be adjusted with effect from January 2013.