For the Adults and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment on the Care and Support Charging Policy.

The committee received an introduction and presentation on the care and support charging policy from officers Susie Binns (Welfare and Financial Assistant Team Leader) and Lee Davis (Head of Prevention and Support).

The key points were given in summary:

·         The proposals would cost the council £596K and put money back in the pockets for the majority of service users.

·         If all the proposals went ahead it was expected 73% (822) of people affected by them would have a reduction in changes, 8% (90) of those people would no longer have to pay for care, and 27% (308) may have an increase in charges.

·         It was estimated those with increased charges would pay on average £6.03 a week more, there were 28 working age people whose charges could increase by £23 a week, these people would be offered a full review.

·         The aim was to implement the changes on 11^th April 2022 when benefits change to save duplicating work and confusion for service users.

Paul Smith (Acting Director for Adults and Communities, Herefordshire Council) pointed out that a significant amount of work had been done on the consultation, every single person in the system had been contacted in writing, but there had been a disappointingly low response.

The committee noted and commended the depth of the consultation.

The committee raised concerns about the small group of people being impacted adversely, especially those with no capital reserve. The committee felt it would be important to reach out to these individuals and possibly arrange face-to-face meetings with them to discuss the changes.

The committee anticipated that it was likely to hear disproportionately from the 28 individuals paying more and that the option should be available for them to have a face-to-face before they have to pay.

The committee felt the proposals made sense and would benefit most people, but early engagement with those impacted would be vital

The policy needed to be well publicised, with clear communications highlighting the fact that many people would be benefit from the changes.

The committee asked about measures to account for rapidly rising inflation and whether there was a safety net for to accommodate for rising prices and fuel costs.

It was explained that those with income above the minimum benefits will have a small percentage taken back in charges. People of pensionable age who have a savings element to their pension may get a savings credit of approximately £10 a week depending on circumstance.

The committee questioned the mixed use of percentages and statistics throughout the report and suggested using numbers of people (on a consistent basis) instead of percentages, to avoid any ambiguity and confusion.

The committee questioned timescale of letters going out to people and potential anxiety, uncertainty and worry the changes might cause.

The Welfare and Financial Assistant Team Leader explained people would be contacted in April so they are aware of changes before being billed at the end of May. The letters would be personalised and illustrate how much better/worse off  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54