Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the proposed annual uplift for domiciliary and residential care providers within Halton for 2017/18.

The Board was advised that the care sector was critical to the sustainability of the health and social care economy and ensured that the Council was able to support adults to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

It was reported that one of the main challenges for the sector had been the introduction of the new mandatory National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 25 and above from 1 April 2016. Both residential and domiciliary care rates in Halton were considered competitive compared to other councils in the North West. Appendix 1 provided data on Halton’s average domiciliary and residential rate for 2016/17 against other North West Local Authorities for Members’ information.

Reason(s) for Decision

The Executive Board are required to approve the uplift in the rate paid to providers to ensure the Authority meets its statutory duties under the Care Act.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None identified.

Implementation Date

1 April 2017.

          RESOLVED: That Board approval be given to actively enter into discussions with Care Providers with a view to offer a 3% uplift for 2017/18.