Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Adult, Culture and Community Services)  To advise Members of the local performance in delivering Direct Payments to residents with care needs.

Councillor Winskill declared a personal interest in respect of this item, in that a relative was considering seeking a care package.

This report advised Members of the local performance in delivering Direct Payments to Residents with care needs.

The Direct Payments programme provided money for individuals to employ their own carers directly.  Members were informed of developments concerning the scheme, such as an agency scheme, where agencies would take on a rôle on the Council’s behalf.  The committee was also informed of the government’s new grant to further the self-directed care agenda.

It was emphasised that the project made individuals responsible for their care; individuals were responsible for signing a contact and submitting monthly accounts to the Council.  Although the Council’s Duty of Care remained, attempts could be made to recoup monies that were misdirected by the individual if the Council subsequently had to step in to provide care as a result of this misdirection.  It was noted that an assessment by a social worker underpinned the level of payment being delivered.

It was noted that a restriction on employing certain relatives as carers existed within the provision.

The decision on whether to receive direct payments rested the individual themselves, with the Council under a legal obligation to offer the option.  Members noted the importance of the scheme, and requested a further briefing on its operation.

RESOLVED:

1. That Officers arrange for Members a briefing on Direct Payments for Care Packages.

2. That the report be noted.