What are we proposing to do?
Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework. This will change some of the ways in which we allocate our resources and calculate the charge you will pay.
The council faces continued financial pressures due to the increase in the demand for its services at the same time as managing the reduction in funding that it receives from central government. The increase in demand is as a result of an increase in our older population, improvements to healthcare services and people living longer, some of whom have complex needs and need care for longer.
We want to ensure that we continue to protect the most vulnerable people in our community and by implementing the Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework we will allocate funding to meet people’s needs.
We currently support around 2,100 people who are in need of adult social care services both in care homes and at home. Care and support services are chargeable and there are clear guidelines for all councils which are set out in the Care Act 2014 about how this should be carried out. However some charging decisions are at the discretion of the council for example, Disability Related Expenditure.
We have used the guidelines from the National Association of Financial Assessment Officers (NAFAO) to assist in drafting the Framework as well as reviewing best practice from other local authorities.
Our aim is to:
- offer a transparent, equitable, and consistent process for all
- ensure that people are charged the correct statutory amount for care and support
- bring the council in line with other local authorities and the National Association of Financial Assessment Officers (NAFAO) based guidance.
What's next?
The consultation closed on 3 December. The council agreed at its meeting on the 25 February 2020 to introduce the Care and Support Charging Framework. You can view the agenda and minutes for the meeting on our webpage. You can also watch the meeting on our webcast.
When will the changes come into effect?
We propose to implement the Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework for new and existing service users from 6 April 2020, subject to it being agreed.
Consultation results
The consultation results are now available to read. Following the consultation the final versions of the care and support charging framework and the direct payment policy are also now available.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have a question about the proposed changes, please email cafaconsultation@bathnes.gov.uk.