Issue - meetings

This paper provides: an overview of the Taxicard scheme, a summary of the changes implemented in Brent in January 2010 to reduce a forecast overspend in 2010/11; the funding changes implemented by London Councils to make the funding arrangements for the Taxicard scheme sustainable in the medium term; a summary of the consultation on options for the scheme in Brent, and the options Brent Council could implement now that the consultation has been completed. 

      i.        that Option 3 be implemented from 1 October 2011 in order to manage demand in the future and focus the scheme on those with the highest needs.  This option is focused on the following changes:

a)    Introduction of a mobility assessment to replace the current GP assessment for people who do not automatically qualify for a Taxicard

b)    A reduced trip limit of 48 as the standard with provision to extend the number of trips based on clear criteria related to the mobility assessment, wider need and available circle of support

c)    Re-introducing double swiping and continuing to allow ‘roll overs’ to ensure that Taxicard members have control over their allocation and can use it to meet their individual needs.

    ii.        that authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, to adjust the trip level if the monthly monitoring data from London Councils indicates there will be an overspend in 2011/12.

The report from the Director of Adult Social Services provided an overview of the Taxicard scheme; a summary of the changes implemented in Brent in January 2010 to reduce a forecast overspend in 2010/11; the funding changes implemented by London Councils to make the funding arrangements for the Taxicard scheme sustainable in the medium term; a summary of the consultation on options for the scheme in Brent, and the options the council could implement now that the consultation had been completed. Councillor R Moher (Lead Member, Adults and Health) advised that the recommended Option three proposed a revised set of proposals that reflected the outcome of the consultation and budget pressures. Councillor Moher advised that the scheme would be closely monitored given the aim of maximising benefit to scheme members.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that Option 3 be implemented from 1 October 2011 in order to manage demand in the future and focus the scheme on those with the highest needs.  This option was focused on the following changes:

(a)       introduction of a mobility assessment to replace the current GP assessment for people who do not automatically qualify for a Taxicard

(b)       a reduced trip limit of 48 as the standard with provision to extend the number of trips based on clear criteria related to the mobility assessment, wider need and available circle of support

(c)        re-introducing double swiping and continuing to allow ‘roll overs’ to ensure that Taxicard members have control over their allocation and can use it to meet their individual needs.

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, to adjust the trip level if the monthly monitoring data from London Councils indicates there will be an overspend in 2011/12.