Issue - meetings

To adopt a revised Charging Policy for care in accordance with the recommendations in this report. 

The report was submitted by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan.

DECISION

To adopt a revised Charging Policy for care in accordance with the recommendations in this report. 

DISCUSSION

It was explained that the department had assessed the fees already being charged for care in Gwynedd, and it was highlighted that there was a lack of consistency across the County.

It was acknowledged that the current Policy had been in place since 2017 and that it complied with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, adding that the revised Policy was also in line with the regulations of this act.

It was noted that this Policy had been before the Care Scrutiny Committee and that a public consultation had been undertaken.

It was confirmed that the new Policy did not mean that there would be an increase in fees for individuals who are already paying, but it would reconcile fees across the County. The importance of this for the sustainability of the services was reiterated.

It was added that those people who fell under this policy would be eligible for a thorough financial assessment, to ensure that they did not pay more than they could afford. It was explained that the Welsh Government's maximum of £100 per week of contribution from individuals was still in place.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Pride was expressed that the maximum of £100 per week was still in place, and it was enquired if financial support was available to assist with these fees. Reference was made to the financial assessment to which all those who came under this Policy would be eligible, to see how much they would be expected to contribute. It was noted that there was support from the team to see if those who had to pay were eligible for any benefits that would help them in contributing to the fee.

·       It was highlighted that the Council would not charge a fee for direct care for unpaid carers, or charge a fee for supporting individuals to enter employment.