The Assistant Director of Care and Health introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health which informed the Committee on the Social Care Charging Reforms and the implications for people who accessed care and support services and the considerations that were required for the Council’s Adult Social Care services. The report included information on future requirements for charging for care services and the cost of care.

The reforms set out four main areas of difference, firstly that there would be a lifetime cap of £86,000 on the amount people pay for care, a more generous means test for local authority financial support would be introduced, self-funders would have the ability to ask the Council to arrange their care and a move towards a fair rate of care in respect of Council’s fees to providers.

The primary objective of the reforms was to protect people from devastating care costs.

It was reported that Councils would face a significant increase in care costs and loss of income, and it was estimated that in the 2023-24 financial year, an additional £1M would be needed for additional staffing and a loss of income of around £2.2M.

In response to a Member’s question, assurance was given that processes used to implement the reforms wouldn’t digitally exclude residents that were unable to access online forms and systems and that there would be staff to ensure people were supported as well as collaboration with community, voluntary and faith organisations and third sector colleagues.

Resolved – That

(1)  the approach to the Council’s implementation of the charging reforms be endorsed.

(2)  the significant impact of the social care charging reforms, including on the Adult Care and Health budget and resources be noted.

(3)   A further report on progress of implementing the reforms be brought in Spring 2023.