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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

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

Decision Number: 0111 2019/20

Executive Portfolio:
Adult Social Care & Health
Decision Number:
0111 2019/20
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
ASC&H FEES AND CHARGES 2020/21
Summary of Decision:
To approve Fees and Charges for Adult Social Care & Health for 2020/2021
Proposed Decision:
To approve Fees and Charges for Adult Social Care & Health for 2020/2021.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
Budget Strategy (20/21) 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 2020/2021 includes an assumed 2% inflationary uplift in fees and charges for non-residential and residential services. This has been reflected in the ASCH revenue budget estimates for 2020/2021 and, taking into account relevant factors, it is broadly proposed to reflect a 2% increase in fees and charges for 2020/2021. 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 3.9% for people of a pensionable age. For people of working age there is an expected rise of 1.7% 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 2020/21 are used to determine service users’ living costs after charges have been deducted. 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) The charge for Domiciliary Care relating to self-funders will be set in line with the lowest Domiciliary Care provider rate reflecting the approach set out in PEOP001340 2019/20. 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 in line with previous decisions and to reflect current working arrangements and resources. The fee is calculated based on the cost of the resource utilised to administer a deferred payment is proposed to increase the fee to £420 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 2020 to 30th June 2020 will be 1.45%. The rate applicable from 1st July 2020 – 31st December 2020 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 2020/2021 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.