Decision details

Members considered a report which sought approval for the level of charges to other local authorities for the use of services within the Social Services portfolio for residential care homes and non-residential centres, and of the maximum charge made to residents of the homes. The report also considered the level of discretionary social care charges.

The report advised that there are no alternative options regarding the standard weekly charges for residential care homes and non-residential centres as shown in Annex A. There was a legislative requirement that the charges were calculated following national guidelines provided to all local authorities. In arriving at the figures quoted the guidelines had been strictly followed.

There were alternative options to the discretionary charges in Annex B. These could include:-

·          Option A would be to increase the discretionary charges to the amounts proposed within this report.

·          Option B would be not to increase the discretionary charges but leave them at the 2006/07 rates or to increase them by less than the amounts proposed within this report.

·                    Option C would be to increase the discretionary charges by more than the amounts quoted within this report.

The Labour Group reserved their position but noted the significant reduction in the disability related benefits disregarded from 50% to 35%.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Adult Social Services be advised to

(i)            Consider the fees and charges proposals for consultation for Adult Social Services for 2007/08 contained in this report and listed below and provide comments to be submitted to the Budget Executive on 16 January 2007.

(ii)            Approve the following charges to commence from 2nd April 2007

(a) the standard weekly charges for residential care homes and non-residential centres as shown in Annex A.

(b)               the discretionary charges as shown in Annex B.

(c)               the amount of disability related benefit disregarded reduces from 50% to 35% as per paragraphs 2.8 – 2.10.

Decision of the Executive Member for Adult Social Services

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To ensure a balanced 2007/08 budget is presented to the Executive.