The consultation on 3 options designed to make the policy fairer, more sustainable and protect those most in need runs until 4 October 2023.
People who receive adult social care and support in the community and/or their representatives have received a letter including a copy of a questionnaire to fill in and return.
An online version of the questionnaire is also available for the public to give their views.
As part of the consultation a series of face-to-face and virtual consultation events have been organised for the public. Extra dates have now been added to give more residents a chance to hear about the plans and ask questions.
These will be held on:
- Monday 18 September 2023 at Waterside Centre, Ashbourne from 10.30am to midday
- Wednesday 20 September 2023 via Microsoft Teams from 6.30pm to 8pm
- Friday 22 September 2023 at The Old Post Centre, Newhall from 10.30am to midday
- Monday 25 September 2023 at The Arena Church, Ilkeston from 10.30am to midday
- Monday 25 September 2023 via Microsoft Teams from 6.30pm to 8pm
- Thursday 28 September 2023 at Clowne Community Centre from 10.30am to midday
- Friday 29 September 2023 at Buxton Methodist Church, Buxton from 10.30am to midday
Councillor Natalie Hoy, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said:
“The feedback we’ve received from people who have attended the public meetings has been very good with many saying it has given them a better understanding of this complex issue.
“We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to find out more about the proposals and ask questions which is why we’ve arranged more face-to-face and virtual meetings and I’d encourage as many people as possible to attend.
“Please be reassured that no decisions will be made about any changes until we have taken everyone’s views fully into account.”
To book a place in advance please contact our Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Team, tel: 01629 531307 or email tell.adultcare@derbyshire.gov.uk
As part of the consultation people are being asked for their views on 3 options to change our community care charging policy.
Option 1
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 and £23,250.
Charge on 100% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability-related expenditure disregard (an automatic weekly allowance for all people).
Option 2
The same as option 1 but charge on 90% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability related expenditure disregard (an automatic weekly allowance for all people).
Option 3
The same as option 1 but charge on 80% of disposable income with a £20 a week disability related expenditure disregard (an automatic weekly allowance for all people).
The proposals do not affect anyone living permanently in a residential or nursing home.
Residents are also asked about our disability related expenditure process. Under the proposed new policy, charges relating to respite in a residential care home or nursing home would also change and be based on the person’s capital and disposable income.
Councillor Hoy added:
“We’re committed to supporting people to remain living independently at home for longer but with demand rising we have to ensure adult care support is fair and sustainable.
“Spending on adult care services accounts for almost half of the council’s overall budget so we must consider how we fund services now – and in the future – so that we can ensure it is fair, sustainable and continues to protect those who need us most.”
Anyone needing help to fill in the questionnaire or requiring it in different languages or formats can contact the Stakeholder and Engagement Team.