Agenda item

To receive an update on the implementation of the first phase of the Care Act 2014.(20 mins)

The Implementation of the Care Act Task and Finish Group had recommended that the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee be updated on the implementation of elements of the Care Act 2014 which had been due to come into effect on 1 April 2015. 

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         The Committee received an overview of the Care Act 2015 reforms.  All Members were sent Care Act in a nutshell bulletins.

·         With regards to assessments Members were advised that that there was a new assessment questionnaire for customers and a carer’s assessment (including a new Resource Allocation System) and new style of assessments (outcomes based, whole family approach); the care planning process has been adapted to reflect the Care Act guidance and a new carer’s support planning process developed; transition arrangements had been put in place to better support young people entering adult social care and their families and independent advocacy was provided to customers and carers.

·         Additional staff had been recruited to help cover the assessment process and an extensive training programme was in place.  A number of senior social care practitioners meet fortnightly to develop best practice.

·         The Committee was updated with regards to carers.  A Young Carers protocol had been put in place to streamline and improve the identification of young carers and a referral process for an assessment; providers of carers’ services and carers had been actively involved in implementation of the carer’s assessment, support planning and information and advice carers through monthly meetings; carers’ views were sought via a survey.  These would feed into the carers’ strategy and commissioning plan. 

·         A Carers event focusing on the Care Act would be held on 12^th June.

·         All carers’ services would be re-commissioned to reflect the Care Act requirements and carers’ needs from April 2016.

·         There had been consultations on streamlining the Council’s charges in line with the Care Act principles and the Care Act related charges.  Options to streamline direct payments such as e-payments were being explored and monitoring arrangements put in place in order to evaluate the impact of the Care Act reforms.

·         With regards to the Council’s duties relating to information and advice, the Committee was advised that all public information had been updated and new information provided to ensure compliance; a new Adult Social Care website had been developed to facilitate easy access to information about statutory services and community based support; printable factsheets were available; signposting to independent financial advice was available and online self-screening for social care customers was being developed.

·         Marlena O’Donnell detailed the actions being taken to meet the requirements relating to prevention services, commissioning and safeguarding.

·         Means of communicating the changes included fortnightly Care Act bulletins, public events and presentations and dedicated webpages.

·         The Committee was provided with an overview of the Care Act 2016 reforms.  Members were reminded that after reaching the care cap of £72,000, all eligible residential and non-residential care would be provided free of charge.  The capital thresholds would also change.

·         Some of the actions being taken to plan for and implement the 2016 reforms were outlined.  It was noted that a clear steer was expected from government in June or July.

RESOLVED:  That the update on the implementation of the Care Act be noted.