The council is proposing to introduce a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework to make sure that residents with eligible needs are allocated funding fairly and in a way that is easy to understand. The ten-week consultation, which begins on 24th September until the 3rd December, will find out what people think about the proposals and make sure that their views are taken into account before the policy is finalised.

Please read the separate document called "Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework" and tell us what you think by answering the questions below. Details can be found here www.bathnes.gov.uk/cas-charging-consultation.

We want to hear from as many people as possible, including individuals with care needs, carers and their families, agencies, social workers and anyone who has an interest in adult social care across Bath and North East Somerset. The results of the consultation will form part of a report to Full Council in early 2020.

Question 1:

The Council proposes to introduce a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework that aims to provide a fairer system and make it easier to understand for those people who need care.

Question 2:

When the council’s Client Finance Team become aware of a new service user, a Care Finance Officer will make several attempts by different means to contact them or their representative.

The Council will require a service user or their representative to respond within two weeks of the initial contact being made to arrange a financial assessment. If there is no response, the council will deem the person to be self-funding. This would be considered on a case by case basis.

Additional benefit entitlement

Question 3:

Many service users will be entitled to claim for benefits. These benefits are included in the financial assessments.

The council will take into account any benefit that it believes a service user would have an automatic entitlement to, if an application were made. This relates to Pension Guaranteed Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.

Agreements for third party ‘Top Up’ payments

Question 4:

In some cases, a third party (family or friend) will pay extra costs towards a more expensive service such as a larger room in a care home.

The council will require any third party to enter into a formal agreement confirming they will make the required payments. The council will also carry out a basic financial assessment on the proposed third party to ensure the required payment is affordable.

Deferred payments

Question 5:

In some cases, a service user is unable to pay for their care as their funds are tied up in a property. Arrangement can be made for service users to enter into an agreement that allows for payment at a later date. This is known as a ‘Deferred Payment Agreement’.

When an agreement is entered into and a yearly fee is charged. The fee covers the administration costs incurred in preparing annual statements, reviewing the equity / level of debt and the value of the property.

The council proposes an initial set up fee of £105 and an annual fee of £30. These costs will be collected when the Deferred Payment Agreement ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The details of the fees set out above are incorrect. Apologies for this error.

It should read:

The council is proposing that the annual fee will increase from £30 to £105 and the set-up fee will not change.

Interim Funding Policy

Question 6:

In some cases, a service user’s representatives may be in the process of applying for Deputyship when the service user needs care. Also there may be times when the service user’s property is currently not registered with the Land Registry.

A new Interim Funding Policy will be applied that allows the council to fund care for a period of time whilst Deputyship is obtained and / or the property is registered. This will be subject to a four month review (other situations will be considered). A signed contract will be required confirming the amount to be repaid to the council. The service user or their representative will be required to keep the council updated.

New charging rates

Question 7:

To ensure there is a fair approach to Disability Related Expenditure, the Council is introducing new amounts. The Council will only pay for expenditure that is related to a disability and some expenditure will not be allowed. Please refer to the Disability Related Expenditure Factsheet for more information.

Question 8:

The council will allow Transport and Education costs. These must be set out the service user’s care and support plan and will only be allowed if the individual is not in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or any Disability Living Allowance component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Question 9:

People receiving care and support at home are currently allowed £189 per week to cover the cost of living.

The council proposes to only allow the cost of the standing charge for gas, electricity, water and sewerage within the financial assessment.

Question 10:

In some cases, the council will arrange care for people who are able to pay for their own care.

A new one-off charge will be applied to any new self-funder where the council has been asked to arrange the care and support. This is to cover the administrative costs incurred by the council. It is proposed this is a one off fee of £250 plus VAT.

Question 11:

Direct Payments are where the council gives you money to pay for the services that you need.

The council has updated its Direct Payments Policy to provide clearer guidance and information.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.