Issue - items at meetings - High Cost Care

Report of Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner People (copy attached).

(1)       That it be noted that the proposals in the report formalise and reinforce good social work practice for all care groups. That the costs of care are set at a level that secures a package of care or care home placement that meets the needs of the individual and also represents value for money.

(2)       That it be noted that a Framework Agreement for people with a Learning Disability with complex needs has been agreed and is being actioned.

(3)       That where there is a decision that an individual is seeking to be supported by public funds and that a home care package would not represent value for money, practitioners should discuss whether this individual could access third party support.

11.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner People that set out a policy for High Cost Care.  This formalised and reinforced good social work practice for all care groups.  “Putting People First” advocated choice and control for users and local take up of personal budgets was a key performance indicator.  At the same time under financial policy, the council had a fiduciary duty to secure value for money.  Adult Social Care Assessment teams, when assessing the needs of service users must take the above into account. 

11.2    RESOLVED – Having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)       That it be noted that the proposals in the report formalise and reinforce good social work practice for all care groups. That the costs of care are set at a level that secures a package of care or care home placement that meets the needs of the individual and also represents value for money.

(2)       That it be noted that a Framework Agreement for people with a Learning Disability with complex needs has been agreed and is being actioned.

(3)       That where there is a decision that an individual is seeking to be supported by public funds and that a home care package would not represent value for money, practitioners should discuss whether this individual could access third party support.

              The Cabinet Member noted and confirmed that the recommendations as agreed related to arrangements for all service users, not just the elderly.