The purpose of the report is to seek approval from the Director of Care and Health in respect to a proposed in-year uplift in rate, to support the current pressures within the Community Care Domiciliary Care Market from £18.47 to £20.17. The increased rate will enable providers to pay the care staff a minimum of £11 per hour to support with recruitment & retention, and support health and care system priorities. This will be funded from the Social Care Grant and market sustainability funds allocated to the Council from DHSC. This will also form part of the national cost of care exercise currently underway until October 2022, and the Council’s annual rates and fees arrangements.

This supports the work of the Wirral Plan 2026 in the following categories:

·  Safe and Pleasant Communities - Working for safe and pleasant communities where our residents feel safe and are proud to live and raise their families.

·  Active and Healthy Lives - Working to provide happy, active and healthy lives for all, with the right care, at the right time, to enable residents to live longer and healthier lives.

·  Inclusive Economy - Working for a prosperous, inclusive economy - helping businesses to thrive and creating jobs and opportunities for all