To approve the annual uplift for home care and supported living providers to take effect from the 1 April 2019. Due to the pressures with the home care market the council has reviewed the annual uplift and amended the model to reflect on going development of the adult social care pathway, managing demand and financial pressures on providers. The council would like to invest in the market in order to create a sustainable and responsive market across the county.

That:

(a)  an increase in the urban hourly rate from £16.20 to £17.36 (7.18%) and rural hourly rate from £16.20 to £20.05 (20.20%) for council approved providers of home care effective from 1 April 2019 is approved; and

(b)  an increase from £16.20 to £17.01 (5%) and a new rate of £13.78 on the 24 hourly rate for  council approved providers of supported living services effective from 1 April 2019 is approved.

1.    No fee increase is given to providers. This is not recommended as the council is contractually bound to review its fees annually and to meet its obligations under the Care Act to manage the local care market.

2.    A minimal increase is given to take into consideration the increase in the national minimum wage. This is not recommended as providers are struggling to recruit staff at minimum wage level and this is impacting directly on their capacity to deliver home care service across the county.

3.    The council could pay a higher increase. This is not recommended as the council needs to invest in the market whilst ensuring it is affordable.