Decision details

In February 2016 the Cabinet will be asked to agree revisions to the Care and Support Charging Policy as part of a review of areas of local discretionary charging under the Care Act 2014. 

The Health and Wellbeing Board is asked to give its views on the proposals as part of the consultation process.

(i)  Having noted:

·  The LBBD Cabinet had agreed that the Council would consult on revisions to the Care and Support Charging Policy in the following areas where discretion can be applied:

o  The level of the disability related expenditure (DRE) disregard automatically applied to the financial assessment;

o  The principle of charging for care and support services provided to a carer who meets the eligibility criteria for services in their own right;

·  The LBBD Cabinet had agreed that the Council should consult on the proposed introduction of arrangements whereby some or all of a Disabled Facilities Grant may be recoverable via the placing of a local land charge where a person in receipt of a grant had a financial interest in the property, in line with the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, in order to regularise the position and to support the growth of the scheme;

·  A further report would be presented to the LBBD Cabinet in February 2016 advising on the outcome of the public consultation and, if necessary this would include a draft policy for LBBD Cabinet approval; and

(ii)  The Board supported the consultation and noted that a further report would be presented to the Board in due course.