Purpose

To seek Cabinet Member approval for Fees and Charges for services provided by Adult Social Care for financial year 2026/27.

Decision

Decision(s):

(1)  The increased fees and charges in line with benefit rates set by the Department for Work and Pensions, where applicable from 6 April 2026, be noted.

(2)  That capital levels remained unchanged as outlined in guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care, be noted.

(3)  That personal expenses allowances and minimum income guarantees are uplifted in line with guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care.

(4)  The increased Disability Related Expenditure for people who are financially assessed in line with the Consumer Price Index of 3.4%, be noted. It be further noted that this applies to individuals who receive a package of care in their own home.

(5)  ?That other fees and charges were increased using either the Consumer Price Index as a guide, or the actual cost of the increase—such as the Deferred Payment Scheme, which was based on service delivery costs, or Deputyship charges, set at the maximum allowable by the Office of the Public Guardian Deputyship Scheme, be noted.

Reason for the Decision(s):

The decision is required in order to allow for the setting of fees and charges for financial year 2026/27.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Consideration to uplift all fees and charges by inflation was not considered as many fees are governed by Central Government rates.  Where fees are within the Local Authority remit, there will be a review of Adult Social Care’s charging policy which will consider the removal of subsidies and flat rate charges.