RH provided an explanation of how Adult Social Care is funded with regards to residential care. Under current legislation people in residential care with assets of over £23,000 were required to pay all of their care home charges. This often meant that people were required to sell their home to pay for their care home fees.

RH spoke about the Dilnot review which had been carried out in 2011 which looked at how social care should be funded, and how much the individual should contribute.  This formed the basis of the funding reforms contained with the Care Act 2014.

RH stated that under the Care Act, local authorities were required to offer everyone eligible for adult social care services a personal budget.

The majority of the legislative changes embodied by the Care Act would ‘go live’ on 1^st April 2015, but the funding reforms would be delivered from 1^st April 2016.  This would include the cap on care costs of £72,000 which related to the care cost elements only and not the residential, board or lodging costs (hotel costs).

Developing the market to offer choice was a key part of the Care Act, and RH told the Board that Thurrock’s final Market Position Statement will be brought to a future meeting for signed off.

BR commented that the reforms will have the biggest impact on the Adult Social Care for over 40 years and that this comes at a time when the Council’s budgets are being reduced. She stressed we need to think about the important roles that Local Area Coordinators play in the community.

BB provided assurance to the Board that Housing are working closely with the Adult Social Care Department and that they may be able to support some packages, and step in to fund various areas.  Housing is working as broadly as it can within its remit.

Councillor Redsell commented that many older people did not use computers, and that there was a high number of elderly people in her ward. Councillor Redsell also raised concerns that people with dementia and who are on their own may find it difficult to manage a personal budget.

Councillor Redsell asked if there was any time limit on the deferred payments scheme whereby people do not have to see their home as soon as they move into residential care, and RH confirmed that there was no time limit.

In response to a question raised by CL, RH stated that he would get the chair of the Safeguarding Board Graham Carey to confirm whether there was a National Board regarding adult safeguarding reviews. 
LG commented that the Thurrock Coalition is a member of the Care Act Implementation Project Group. 

LG stated that the Engagement Group was worried and concerned about the consultation process and that the approach to carrying out consultations should not be ‘one size fits’.

RH stated that there are discreet areas of the consultation e.g. around carers assessments and around the advice and information offer.  RH will speak to LG and KJ separately.

Recommendations agreed.