Decision details

A progress report on the recent implementation of the common Resource Allocation System (RAS) which works out levels of social care funding for local citizens who meet the Council's Fair Access to Care Services eligibility criteria.

(1) To NOTE progress in implementing the National Resource Allocation System and work that is underway to adjust the focus of the current social care pathway; and

(2) To ASK for an update after the first year of implementation of the new RAS.

The rationale for implementing the national RAS was set out in detail in the report to Cabinet in October 2012 and comprises three key strands:

(1) Equalities considerations – the current system is inequitable and therefore open to potential challenge

(2) Financial – the current system is not financially sustainable

(3) Capacity/sustainability – the current system places a bureaucratic/ processing burden on practitioners which is not sustainable.

During implementation of the national RAS, it has become increasingly clear that for the RAS to be as effective as possible it will be necessary to make changes to and adjust the focus of the current social care pathway.

None.  Failure to revise the current system is not a viable option for the reasons set out above.