Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Approves for consultation the updated Adult Social Care Charging for Social Care and Support Policy for Hillingdon for 2025/26 for charging adults receiving care and support services in the Borough, as set out in the report and Appendix 1;
2. Delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Corporate Director of Adult Social Care & Health, to consider the outcome of the public consultation and to then determine the final policy and fees for 2025/26;
3. Agrees that, thereafter, this policy and fees are reviewed annually as part of the Council’s wider review of fees and charges to provide a transparent and consistent approach going forward.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a report proposing to consult on a clear policy framework and fees for charging adult recipients for social care services provided.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care emphasised the importance of having a robust and up-to-date charging policy to ensure the Council could successfully collect assessed contributions for care services. The updated policy proposed for consultation would include a care arrangement fee for residents arranging their own care, consisting of an annual setup fee and a yearly administrative cost and was expected to generate a new income stream.

On a related matter, the Cabinet Member noted that the Council's adult social care services were recently assessed by the Care Quality Commission and that they had received a ‘good’ rating, highlighting the Council's commitment to transparency and fairness for residents.

The Leader of the Council indicated his support for the proposed policy, stating that was appropriate for those who can afford to pay for their care to do so.

Cabinet agreed to consult on the proposed policy and fee arrangements.

Alternative options considered or rejected

Cabinet could have agreed to not review the policy, but considered the current policy outdated.