Healthwatch Bradford and District spoke to people affected by the proposed changes to the contributions policy, to gain an understanding of the potential impact on individual service-users and carers, and to add depth to the Council’s own consultation.

Healthwatch Bradford and District will submit Document “G” which provides case studies highlighting the potential impact on people’s lives if the Council adopts the proposed Adult Social Care Contributions Policy.

Recommended –

That the concerns highlighted in the report and case studies be noted.

(Victoria Simmons – 01535 665258)

The Manager of Healthwatch presented Document “G” which detailed case studies that highlighted the potential impact on people’s lives if the Council adopted the proposed contributions policy and aimed to allow Members to consider the impact.  It was noted that Healthwatch had become involved in the process following the first public consultation meeting and had raised significant concerns, which had resulted in the consultation date being extended.  The documents provided had also been highlighted as an issue, due to the complex information and that they were challenging for those most affected by the proposal , therefore, the Council had stated that they would work with organisations in order to rectify the matter.  Some people had not taken part in the consultation process and a separate study had not been undertaken.  The Manager of Healthwatch stated that they had wanted the Council to hear real people’s issues and had worked with service users, using Council examples, in order to document the impact on their lives.  Members were informed that there would be significant increases for vulnerable people.  Individual incomes had not been assessed and people were anxious that they would not be able to make ends meet.  It was acknowledged that expenses would be funded by the Council, however, these would not cover all eventualities and many people’s care plans did not include all their expenses.  The Manager of Healthwatch reported that the Council’s Equality Impact Assessment showed that the proposals would have a medium impact on those people with low income, but feedback received by Healthwatch indicated that the impact it would be disproportionately felt by that group.  Members noted that five detailed case studies had been provided that detailed a clear impact on service users.  The people most affected were the most vulnerable in society and there would be a potential loss of preventative support.  The loss of disposable income would result in a deterioration of the person’s situation and eventually place more demand on the Council.  In conclusion it was recommended that the impact on service users was taken into consideration.

The Chair then thanked Healthwatch for an excellent report. 

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder acknowledged the importance of the issue and the concerns raised, however, she indicated that the matter should be looked at in context.  There would be potential losers and there would be others that would benefit from the proposed changes, such as older people.  It was noted that the 2% additional council tax would not meet the demands of the social care budget and the Council had been forced into this position.  The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder reported that meetings had been undertaken with Healthwatch and parent representatives.  She confirmed that the minimum income guarantee had been set by the Government and the Council had added 25% to the basic benefit amount.  The issues in relation to Care Plans had been recognised and it was accepted that they would have to be revised.  It was explained that arrangements were in place to reassess these plans and until this had been undertaken the charges would not alter.  In relation to Winterbourne House, it was noted that there was no evidence that staff would leave and confirmed that homes were regularly checked.  The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder stated that the Council did not want to have to make these changes and it had always been generous in relation to its charges, however, this could not continue.  The Council needed to recover the cost of care, but if a person could not afford to pay this would be taken into consideration. 

Resolved –

That the concerns and case studies highlighted in Document “G” be noted.

Action: Healthwatch/Overview and Scrutiny Lead