Issue - meetings

This report outlines recommendations identified for changes to the Adult Social Care charging policy.  In detailing the impact of the proposals, Cabinet is being asked to consider the proposed changes and agree that prior to any final approval they are subject to consultation with Adult Social Care service users and the wider public in Brent with any final amendments agreed to the Adult Social Care Charging Policy to be implemented at the start of the 2024/25 financial year.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the proposed changes to the Adult Social Care charging policy, as detailed within the report.

(2)    To approve the proposal to allow officers to consult on the policy changes outlined in the report.

(3)    To agree that a report is presented to Cabinet in January 2024 outlining the results of the consultation and confirming the changes to the charging policy that would be introduced from the start of 2024/25.

(4)    To approve that any changes to the policy would be implemented to start on 1^st April 2024.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 October 23

Councillor Neil Nerva (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care) introduced the report, outlining recommendations identified for consultation on changes to the Adult Social Care Charging Policy.

In introducing the report, Councillor Nerva highlighted that it was recognised good practice to review charging arrangements on a regular basis, with the last significant review in Brent having taken place in 2016 following introduction of the Care Act.  Members were advised the consultation would provide an opportunity for the local authority to engage with residents on future charging arrangements and would be targeted towards residents who were receiving care either in their home or in a community-based setting. The review did not affect the arrangements for those receiving Local Authority commissioned care in residential or nursing settings, which were subject to separate requirements. Following consultation, the proposed changes would then return to Cabinet for final approval, prior to implementation at the start of the 2024-25 financial year.

Attention was drawn to the proposed changes outlined within section 3 of the report, which included worked examples of the potential implications for those receiving care.  A summary had also been provided within Appendix 1 of the report, with members recognising the way in which the proposals had been designed to provide greater consistency and had been linked to the wider aims for adult social care in Brent whilst also seeking to ensure delivery of the service remained sustainable and focussed on supporting people to remain as independent as possible.

In considering the report Cabinet, recognised the importance in establishing a robust consultation and engagement process and welcomed the approach outlined within the report to the development of this process with members encouraged to share details with relevant organisations and support also identified as available through the Brent Disability Forum.

In supporting the approach outlined Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the proposed changes to the Adult Social Care Charging Policy, as detailed within the report.

(2)    To approve the proposal to allow officers to consult on the policy changes outlined in the report.

(3)    To agree that a report be presented to Cabinet in January 2024 outlining the results of the consultation and confirming the changes to the Charing Policy that would be introduced from the start of 2024/25.

(4)    To approve that any changes to the policy would be implemented to start on 1 April 2024.