Lead Member – Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care

Lead Officer – Laura Tyler, Service Director – Care & Wellbeing

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet notes and recommends to Council the approval of the updated Deferred Payment Policy in appendix 1;

2.    Cabinet noted the following main proposed changes within the policy:

·         Increased one-off setup fee from £610 to £750;

·         The introduction of an annual administration charge to reflect the work undertaken during the lifetime of the DPA in notifying interest rate changes and supplying statements;

·         Introduce legal charges to reflect the work done in entering the DPA, registration at Land Registry and removing the charge once repaid.

·         Maintain the application of interest from contract signing.

·         Implement process improvements to reduce completion timelines and strengthen compliance.

·         The charges income is used to reinvest in critical staff roles to manage the increasing demand and complex process, this will ensure efficiencies and clear oversight, providing a more consistent approach and improved experience for clients.

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care presented the report which set out the Council’s approach to deferred payment agreements for adult social care, enabling eligible individuals to defer payment of care costs until a later date, in line with statutory guidance.

Members noted that the Policy had been reviewed to ensure compliance with current legislation and to provide clarity and consistency in its application.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet notes and recommends to Council the approval of the updated Deferred Payment Policy in appendix 1;

2.     Cabinet noted the following main proposed changes within the policy:

·       Increased one-off setup fee from £610 to £750;

·       The introduction of an annual administration charge to reflect the work undertaken during the lifetime of the DPA in notifying interest rate changes and supplying statements;

·       Introduce legal charges to reflect the work done in entering the DPA, registration at Land Registry and removing the charge once repaid.

·       Maintain the application of interest from contract signing.

·       Implement process improvements to reduce completion timelines and strengthen compliance.

·       The charges income is used to reinvest in critical staff roles to manage the increasing demand and complex process, this will ensure efficiencies and clear oversight, providing a more consistent approach and improved experience for clients.