Issue - meetings

The report details progress to date of the review of the current policy framework and Resource Allocation System for Personal Budgets and makes recommendations for the implementation of the Department of Health national RAS

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement declared that he had a non-prejudicial interest in the issue.  He said that he understood the aims of the proposals but was concerned that it was intended to achieve those aims within a 12-month period.  He felt that this would lead to difficulties and that this would then increase the costs of residential care. He asked Cabinet to consider increasing the transitional arrangements to a longer period.

Councillor Simon Allen in proposing the item, said that the report was a progress report only.  The Council had been a pilot council for the introduction of personal budgets, the aim of which was to give more choice and control to the individual.  During the pilot scheme, the Council had developed its own policies which it now found were not totally in line with the national policies.  The Council needed therefore to agree ways to come into line with national policies.

He thanks Councillor Gerrish for his comments, which would be fed into the consultation, and promised that the item would come back to Cabinet at a later date for adoption to ensure a fair and equitable process.

Councillor Paul Crossley, in seconding the proposal, said he felt that personal budgets were an important way to empower clients and he was pleased that after being involved in the pilot scheme the Council was now taking steps to catch up with best practice.

On a motion from Councillor Simon Allen, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE that, based on the modelling contained in the main report, the percentile model for calibrating the national RAS locally is further explored and tested;

(2) To AGREE that, based on the above recommendation, further engagement and consultation with service users, carers and social care staff takes place;

(3) To AGREE that, based on the modelling contained in the main report, scenario 4 of the five transitional scenarios is adopted when roll out of the national RAS begins; and

(4) To AGREE that implementation of the national RAS should take place in early 2013 following a period of statutory consultation.