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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0182 2018/19

Executive Portfolio:
Adult Social Care
Decision Number:
0182 2018/19
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Adult Social Care Fees and Charges 2019/20
Summary of Decision:
To approve the 2019/20 fees and charges for Adult Social Care services
Proposed Decision:
To approve the 2019/20 fees and charges for Adult Social Care services
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Budget Strategy (19/20) includes an uplift for fees/charges re; residential/non-residential services. The decision seeks to formalise the arrangement.
Reason for Decision:
The Budget Strategy for 2019/20 includes an assumed 2% inflationary uplift in fees and charges for non-residential and residential services. This has been reflected in the ASC revenue budget estimates for 2019/20 and, taking into account relevant factors, it is broadly proposed to reflect a 2% increase in fees and charges for 2019/20. The charges being proposed by the council will ensure service users are left with the minimum income guaranteed amount. Benefits are expected to rise by 2.6% for people of a pensionable age. For people of working age there is an expected rise of 2.4% in disability premium rates. Due to benefit calculation changes and the introduction of Universal Credit, it is proposed that the Government’s Minimum Income Guarantee rates (MIG) for 2019/20 are used to determine service users’ living costs after charges have been deducted. These remain at the 2018/19 rates. People of all ages will receive a financial assessment to ensure fairness and equity. Despite projected above inflationary increases in payments made for services due to, predominantly, National Living Wage increases, it is not proposed to increase charges beyond 2% for equivalent services identified in this report except for individual variations identified and assured by a further DED . Charges levied on service users It is proposed that all current charges relating to community services will be uplifted by 2%. (see next section for schedule of rates) All Residential Care Charges are subject to charging guidelines and calculated with respect to Care Act 2014 – Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of resources) Regulations 2014. Extra Care Housing Extra Care Housing Charges for Levels 1 to 4 are based on a standard cost for the core element of the services with charges set at the lowest end of the range. Extra Care Housing Charges – Level Zero. These relate to periods of care up to 4 hours per week and are charged at the domiciliary care rate. Deferred Payments The calculation of the admin fee has been reviewed to reflect current working arrangements and resources. The fee is calculated based on the cost of the resource utilised to administer a deferred payment and it is proposed to increase the fee to £360 per case. This charge is comparable with charges levied within neighbouring authorities and will continue to be reviewed to ensure it is set at an appropriate level in future years. The interest rate employed to charge service users in respect of universal deferred payments has been set utilising government rates in respect of borrowing. The regulations and statutory guidance set out the maximum interest rate chargeable which is derived from the 15-year average gilt yield as set out by the Office of Budget Responsibility. On the basis of the current gilt rate the interest rate applicable from 1st April 2019 to 30th June 2019 will be 1.65%. The rate applicable from 1st July 2019 – 31st December 2019 will be dictated by the next fiscal event. Should this necessitate a further decision, based on materiality, the department will undertake this action. Should any further changes to fees and charges be required as a result of the reviews then those decisions will be processed in line with council policy.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
Should approval not be given to the proposed fees and charges structure for 2019/2020 there is a potential budget pressure for the department.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Consideration to review the level of fees and charges at the appropriate time.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
n/a
Attachments:
Please Contact Jo Webb - ext 6344 for more details.