1. That approval be given to withdraw the Empower Card option by the end of March 2014.
2. That publicity material held on the Cheshire East Council Internet and Intranet sites in respect of the Empower Card be removed, and a review of public and departmental information be conducted, to support the development of personalisation through appropriate mechanisms.
3. That closure audits be completed to recover unused Citi Bank funding account monies by the end of March 2014.
4. That the relationship with the exiting Empower banking provider and software provider be explored to allow a mutually acceptable ending of the relationships.
5. That in support of future arrangements the Council actively engage and promote money management services offered by agencies such as Cheshire Centre for Independent Living and Age UK Cheshire; such organisations provide customers who are not able to manage their own Direct Payment, access to money management services in order to operate a Direct Payment and remain independent.
6. That a communication strategy and approach be agreed within Adult Services to brief on the closure of the Empower Card and on future arrangements; communication with elected Members, staff, customers, care providers, Healthwatch, Age UK Cheshire and Cheshire Centre for Independent Living being considered critical.
7. That customers, their Personal Assistants and care agencies, be supported to transfer to new payment arrangements and where necessary have a clear route to escalate and resolve any concerns or issues.