Lead Member – Councillor L Chapman – Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, Health and Social Housing

Report of the Director of Adult Services  TO FOLLOW

Contact: Andy Begley         Tel: 01743 258911

RESOLVED:

That the Council set the Minimum Income Guarantee for people of pensionable age in line with the Government’s statutory Minimum Income Guarantee level in order for the Council to be seen as consistent in its approach to charging for care.

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, Health and Social Housing, the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure presented a report from the Director of Adult Services on the level of Minimum Income Guarantee [MIG] set by the Council.  It was noted that Councils could set the MIG higher than the statutory minimum but could not go below it.  With the increasing costs of adult social care and the rises predicted in future years, the Council was seeking to maximise its income in a fair and transparent manner.  The Portfolio Holder stressed that the proposals would only affect those who had been assessed and deemed able to afford their care.

A Member commented on the fairness of the proposals particularly those people who fell just above the MIG.  Another Member added that the Council had tough decisions to make; the issue had also been considered by scrutiny.  The Leader added that the proposal would bring the Council in line with other authorities and was in accordance with Government guidelines.

RESOLVED:

That the Council set the Minimum Income Guarantee for people of pensionable age in line with the Government’s statutory Minimum Income Guarantee level in order for the Council to be seen as consistent in its approach to charging for care.