Published on Friday 13 December 2019
Councillors at Cabinet on Friday 20 December will be asked to approve an eight-week public consultation on proposals to introduce one fair and equitable adult social care charging policy.
If approved, the consultation would run from 20 January until 16 March 2020 to ensure residents, carers and clients are fully informed about the proposed changes and are given the opportunity to have their say about how the proposals may affect them.
Currently, BCP Council operates three Adult Social Care charging policies inherited from the three preceding councils. It is crucial that the differences between these legacy arrangements are removed so that all individuals are charged fairly and consistently.
The proposals to the policy include having one rate which is the same across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and that is based on the actual cost of providing the services for:
- Attending day centres
- Using transport to and from day centres
- Assistance with bathing at day centres
- Setting up deferred payment agreements
Councillor Lesley Dedman, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "As we are now one Council, we must review the three charging policies currently in place where some residents are being charged differently for the same service. It’s only right that we ensure that we create one policy which is fair and equal for everyone. It’s important to remember that people using adult social care services will only pay what they have been assessed they can afford to contribute."
"If it’s agreed to progress and consult on the changes, I would urge our clients and local residents tell us their views. Even if they do not use these services now, a friend or a relative may need to use them in the future and so it’s important they have their say."
If Cabinet agree, the consultation will run from 20 January 2020 until 16 March 2020.