Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adults

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/079

Key decision

Contact: Jake Finley, Project Manager

Jake.finley@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by the Director of Adult Social Care

The Adult Social Care (ASC) Charging Policy Review is a major programme to modernise, align and consolidate Oxfordshire County Council’s charging arrangements across three core areas: Disability Related Expenditure (DRE), Transport Charging, and Telecare Charging. The project brings previously separate policies together into a single, coherent ASC Charging Policy to improve fairness, transparency, sustainability, and financial viability for the Council and service users.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

Note the contents of this report and confirm its agreement for

a.    Reducing the initial Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowance from 35% to 25% which is the level that was in place before April 2022,

b.    Introducing an Adult Social Care Transport Policy (Annex 2) that explains the council’s approach to transport and sets out a flat rate of £10 per day for transport arranged by Adult Social Care,

c.    Charge all people using the telecare the actual cost of the service at £9.87 per week. 

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report and recommendations on proposed changes to the Adult Social Care Contributions Policy. It included recommendations, consultation outcomes, and implications regarding financial contributions for care services, transport, and telecare.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adults, presented the report. Councillor Fletcher stated that the proposed policy changes were driven by significant financial pressures, including a projected funding gap and government funding cuts, requiring difficult decisions to balance the budget. 

Members noted the contributions made by speakers which raised concerns about the impact on disabled and vulnerable residents, administrative burden, and the fairness of shifting costs onto those least able to pay.

During discussion, Cabinet members noted the impact of the proposed changs but emphasised the statutory duties of the Council with regard to Adult social care.  There would be ongoing monitoring of the impact of the changes, with safeguards for those most affected. 

Councillor Fletcher moved and Councillor Bearder seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:-

Note the contents of this report and confirm its agreement for

a)    Reducing the initial Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowance from 35% to 25% which is the level that was in place before April 2022,

b)    Introducing an Adult Social Care Transport Policy (Annex 2) that explains the council’s approach to transport and sets out a flat rate of £10 per day for transport arranged by Adult Social Care,

c)    Charge all people using the telecare the actual cost of the service at £9.87 per week.