What this consultation is about
We have an adult social care co-funding policy which sets out charges that apply for people receiving adult social care support in the community.
Under this policy, we charge for adult social care support as authorised under the Care Act 2014 and carry out a financial assessment to determine how much, if anything, people should contribute towards their care and support.
In Derbyshire this is called co-funding and there is a weekly maximum amount the person may be charged.
We have to date:
- set a capital limit of £50,000 before someone has to pay the full cost of their care in the community - the national limit is £23,250
- we currently assess a tariff income of £1 in every £500 for people with capital assets between £14,250 and £50,000. The national tariff income is £1 in every £250 for people with capital assets between £14,250 and £23,250
- set an upper limit of £51.07 - or a maximum of 75% of relevant benefits - on what people are asked to contribute. Research shows most authorities charge people on 100% of their disposable income
Capital assets do not include a person’s primary residence for people receiving care in the community.
Charging proposals being consulted on
We are consulting on 3 options to change our charging policy for people who receive care and support in their community to make it fairer, sustainable and ensure we can continue to support those people who need it most.
This does not affect anyone living permanently in a residential or nursing home where the national charging regulations apply.
We are seeking people’s views on the following options.
Option 1
To change the charging policy for people receiving support in the community to:
- introduce the national capital limit of £23,250
- introduce the national tariff income of £1 in every £250 for those with capital between £14,250 to £23,250
- charge on 100% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability related expenditure disregard (an extra weekly allowance for all people)
Option 2
The same as option 1 except:
- charge on 90% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability related expenditure disregard (an extra weekly allowance for all people).
Option 3
The same as option 1 except:
- charge on 80% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability related expenditure disregard (an extra weekly allowance for all people).
Under the proposals, people will also be asked for their views on our disability related expenditure process. All 3 options being considered for consultation include a standard £20 disability related expenditure disregard for all people. People would also be able to ask for an individual assessment to see if they were eligible for any additional expenses related to their disability.
Charges relating to any respite stay in a residential care home or nursing home would also change and be based on the person’s capital and disposable income under the proposed new charging policy.
Read the Cabinet report on co-funding.