Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/089

Contact: Benedict Leigh, Lead Commissioner (Adults) Tel: (01865) 323554

Report by Director for Adult Social Services (CA9).

In February 2016, the Council agreed savings against carers' services totalling £660,000.This included a suggestion that savings could be made by introducing charging for carers' services.

It was found following investigation that the introduction of charging for carers' services was not viable and would not produce the savings required. Proposals for releasing funding by redesigning carers' personal budgets were developed, and these proposals were the subject of a public consultation, alongside the refreshed and updated version of the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy.

The outcome of the consultation did not produce a single clear preferred option from those who responded. Therefore, a further alternative option for carers' personal budgets is proposed: a 'targeted' carers' personal budget of £300, jointly and equally funded by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and payable to all eligible carers who have high needs.

In addition, Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is proposing to fund an enhanced information and advice offer for all carers via direct electronic referral by a GP and input from an extension to the existing Oxfordshire County Council contract for the Carers Oxfordshire service. 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the revised carers' personal budget payment and to welcome the intention of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to fund an enhanced information and advice offer via direct GP referral.

Recommendation agreed with the following amendment shown in bold:

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the revised carers' personal budget payment and to welcome the intention of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to fund an enhanced information and advice offer via direct GP referral in accordance with paragraphs 24 and 26 of the report.

In February 2016, the Council agreed savings against carers' services totalling £660,000.This included a suggestion that savings could be made by introducing charging for carers' services.

It was found following investigation that the introduction of charging for carers' services was not viable and would not produce the savings required. Proposals for releasing funding by redesigning carers' personal budgets were developed, and these proposals were the subject of a public consultation, alongside the refreshed and updated version of the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy.

Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of the public consultation and seeking approval to the proposed way forward.

Councillor Janet Godden, Liberal Democrat Group spokesperson on adult social care spoke together on Agenda Items 8 & 9 and this is recorded at Minute 4/17 above – Petitions and Public Address.

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care commented that it was unacceptable to be looking at options for making cuts and highlighted paragraph 17 commenting that carers would not feel as valued. However she welcomed GP referral service and the decision not to introduce charges for carer services. She welcomed that the impact of the proposals would be monitored but suggested that it was a false economy to cut budgets as the support enabled people to stay out of care longer and if in hospital to get out more quickly.

Councillor Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the report and noted that the savings against the carers’ service were previously agreed as part of the budget process. It had included the possibility of charges for carer services but she had been uncomfortable with this. The proposals were about targeting limited resources on those that most needed them. In moving the recommendations Councillor Heathcoat proposed an amendment to include reference to paragraph 24 confirming the share of costs with the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group. On the suggestion of Councillor Carter, Councillor Heathcoat included also reference to paragraph 26.

During discussion Councillor Tilley referred to the numbers of young carers and the support provided to them. Councillor Heathcoat highlighted the work of adult social care and the Safeguarding Board who were keen to work closely with children’s services to ensure continuity of care.

RESOLVED:             to approve the revised carers' personal budget payment and to welcome the intention of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to fund an enhanced information and advice offer via direct GP referral in accordance with paragraphs 24 and 26 of the report.