Decision details

Members received an update on the redesign and implementation of Adult Social Care services. The report contained significant operational and financial implications for a service which was undergoing transformation and which constituted a large proportion of the Cheshire East budget at £72m in 2009-10.

RESOLVED

That

(1)   the new model of Social Care services for Adults, which fully embraces and expresses the personalisation of services, be adopted;

(2)   the responses to the public consultation exercise be noted and the action taken to incorporate these views within the new model as appropriate be supported;

(3)   it be agreed that the implementation of the new model should involve the development and establishment of locality teams across East Cheshire by March 2010, in line with the Council’s commitment to localism and Local Area Partnerships;

(4)   approval be given to the phased implementation by locality teams, starting in Wilmslow, of an upfront Resource Allocation System (RAS) for all new users and for users requiring an unscheduled review (as defined within the report) when the system has been sufficiently tested and is fully compatible with necessary IT systems;

(5)   a review of implementation of RAS be undertaken during 2009-10 and subject to the outcomes of that review its application be extended to all existing users by the end of 2010-11;

(6)   the intention to develop a schedule of prices for provider services, based on the current policy of full cost recovery, be noted and the Cabinet Members for Adults and Finance be authorised to approve the pricing schedule prior to the start of implementation;

(7)   the intention to instigate a review of the Council’s Finance and Contract Procedure Rules to ensure compliance with a personalised approach to commissioning adult social care services be noted;

(8)   reablement services be offered free of charge to users assessed with Critical or Substantial needs under Fairer Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria on a cost-neutral basis;

(9)   Social Care Reform Grant and other carried forward Social Care specific resources up to a maximum of £6.9m be earmarked to deliver the changes required as outlined in the report, insofar as these costs cannot be contained within the Directorate outturn position for the duration of the implementation;

(10)          robust financial and performance management systems be put in place and the risks inherent in implementation be carefully managed on a whole Council basis; and

(11)          quarterly reports be made to Members during the implementation of the new model over the medium term.