We exercise our power under the Care Act 2014 to charge customers for some care and support services. The Care and Support Statutory Guidance, issued by the Department of Health, provides Councils in England with a charging framework. Within the charging framework, there are differing means tested assessments that work out how much you will be asked to contribute.
The means tested assessment is a requirement for all customers with capital (excluding a property) of less than the Higher Capital Limit. Details of the current higher capital limit can be found in the schedule of fees, charges, allowances, and rates.
There are 3 different means tested assessments:
- non-residential care
- temporary or emergency residential care
- permanent residential care
You'll be assessed by a Benefits and Contributions Adviser. They will have been asked to contact you by social services to undertake the appropriate means tested assessment. They will also check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Following your assessment, you'll be provided with a written record and calculation breakdown.
Some care services may cost more than we have agreed to pay. For example, if you require planned short breaks, you may prefer a more expensive room. Any extra costs or non-eligible care costs can be paid for through top-up payments. A fact sheet is available about top-ups.
If you lack capacity to undertake a financial assessment, we can approach anyone that has a registered Enduring Power of Attorney or a Lasting Power of Attorney for either Property and Financial Affairs, or Health and Welfare. The financial assessment can also be completed by your Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) appointee.
If you have a DWP appointee and own a property, we recommend that you seek legal advice regarding Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs. If you lack capacity then family members, friends or solicitors can apply to be your Property and Financial Affairs Deputy.
We have a duty to ensure that if you do not have capacity to manage your finances, and there is no one capable, willing, or able to do this for you, then the Council may apply for both appointeeship and financial deputyship and make decisions on your behalf. We make a charge for providing appointee and deputyship services. Deputyship fees are set by the Court of Protection.
Also see:
Adult Social Care Community Team
Telephone: 01904 555111, Textphone: 07534 437804
Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team
Contact the Emergency Duty Team for assistance.