Issue - meetings

The Chair presented a report on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration in respect of an updated Appointee and Deputyship Service policy.

The Chair explained that, in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Care Act 2014, the Council offered a service to those who, through lack of capacity and support, were unable to manage their personal assets and finances due to mental incapacity.  Since 2017, the Council had charged a nominal fee for providing the Appointee service and, in 2021, introduced a Deputyship service for those who similarly lacked mental capacity and support but who fell outside the purview of the Appointee service due to their level of income.  In response to the growing demand for Appointee and Deputyship services, a review of the Council’s policies and charging arrangements was conducted in line with the Court of Protection Rules 2017 (COP) and other statutory guidance.

Cabinet Members welcomed the updated policy as a further commitment to the Council’s vision of “No one left behind”.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the Appointee and Deputyship Policy as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, to be effective from 1 April 2024; and

(ii)  Agree to the commencement of public consultation in respect of the proposed charges associated with the Appointee and Deputyship Policy.