Public consultation is set to be carried out on proposed changes to the county council’s adult social care fairer contributions policy, if a report going to cabinet on Wednesday (31 January) is approved.
Adult Social Care services are paid for by the county council with contributions from the individuals it supports. People can be charged for their care and asked to make a contribution in line with their financial circumstances. The council wants to make sure its fairer contributions policy is clear, accessible, and fair, to support individuals with choice and control over their care.
Following a public engagement in 2023, the council has reviewed its fairer contributions policy and is proposing changes which include:
- increasing the Minimum Income Guarantee (either for everyone or for some), and a change to the Disability Related Expenditure process, which may allow some people to keep more of their income
- a change to how the council charges for short break respite care and
- the introduction of an admin fee for people who pay the full cost of their care but wish the council to arrange care and support services on their behalf.
If approved, consultation will begin on 5 February 2024 and end on 29 April 2024. Everyone will be encouraged to have their say, whether they currently pay for their care or may do so in the future, to make sure that it works for people now and for years to come.
There will be no changes to the fairer contributions policy, and therefore no changes to how residents are assessed to pay for their care, until public consultation has concluded, and all feedback has been considered.
Cllr Stephan Fifield, cabinet member for adult social care delivery at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Following a review of the current fairer contributions policy and listening to feedback from residents, we are proposing changes to support individuals with choice and control over their care. These include increasing the minimum income guarantee, alongside a change to the disability related expenses process, which may allow some people to keep more of their money.
“The aim of the consultation is to ensure the council has a fairer contribution policy that considers the views and needs of people who are affected by it, both now and in years to come.”