Issue details

Carephones Restructure and Full Cost Recovery

 

 

Carephones is currently in the process of re-structuring because the current model is not operationally sustainable due to the continued increased demand. The improved model requires £215K increased funds.

 

The increase would be as follows: £1.10 per week increase plus the new customer charge of £50 for each new installation. This will cover all the cost of the new service at £215K.

 

If the corporate costs are to be included it will be £2.57 per week increase plus the £50 installation charge.

 

An Integrated Impact Assessment has been completed which highlights the main impact would be individuals on low incomes. The Carephones service is a means tested service via a financial assessment. There are currently approximately 7000 registered Carephone users and 3200 Carephone users who pay for their service.

 

All options of alternative funding streams have been explored and exhausted.

 

The main mitigating factor for risk in this option is that this service is means tested so only those who can afford to pay will pay the increased charges.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 21/09/2023

Decision due: 20 Oct 2023 by Strategic Director for Adults and Health

Lead member: Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care

Lead director: Strategic Director for Adults and Health

Department: Health and Social Care.

Contact: Gail Addinall, Head of Operations North - Adult Social Care 01484 221000.

Consultation process

Twelve months ago, the service engaged with Co-production Board with an ask for interested parties to work with the service to develop the new model and charging policy. Unfortunately, no one attending the board at the time volunteered to be involved. 

 

No consultation has taken place with our service users to date and this is primarily down to the service exploring all other options first rather than the increased costs passing onto service users. It was hoped that other funding options would be available from within Adult Social Care and/or its system partners because of the preventative nature of the service. However due to the current financial climate these avenues have not been successful. We did explore BCF monies however this was not successful.

 

Members/Officers Involved: Richard Parry- Strategic Director, Adults and Health, Michelle Cross – Service Director Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Commissioning Cath Simms – Service Director Adult Social Care

Decisions

Documents