Issue - meetings

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Local Transport 

Steve Oakley, Acting Director of Commissioning and Procurement, presented the report presenting proposals for a new pricing model for fee rates for non-standard or specialist adult residential and nursing care services. The proposed model follows a review of the arrangements for setting fee rates for packages in which the level of care needed is above what is included in the fees paid for a standard package of care. The model and rates proposed are based on consideration of the actual costs of providing services and potential sustainable funding models, and have been subject to consultation with service providers. It is proposed to implement the new model from 1st December 2020 following completion of an appeals process in relation to the banding of individual homes.

Resolved to

(1)  approve proposals for a pricing model for non-standard/specialist adult residential and nursing care services, which have been subject to consultation with service providers;

(2)  delegate authority to the Head of Contracting and Procurement to agree the appropriate banding (and associated fee level) for each residential and nursing care service in accordance with the model proposed. The banding of individual services (for both existing and new placements) will be subject to an appeals process should providers wish to challenge the banding decision for their service;

(3)  approve the implementation of the new model for new placements from 1^st December 2020, with a view to implementing for all existing packages on 1^st December 2020 subject to the outcome of the appeals process;

(4)  delegate authority to the Director of Commissioning and Procurement in consultation with the Director of Adults Services to determine the outcome of the appeals process and confirm the timing of implementation of the new funding model for existing packages, following the appeals process;

(5)  note that approval to spend against individual placements in specialist provision is through the Council’s scheme of delegation for Adults Care Packages.

Reasons for recommendations:

·  Nottingham City Council (the Council) has a legal duty under the Care Act 2014 to consider fee rates payable for social care contracted services and in doing so, must consider the costs of delivering care and the sustainability of the market. These considerations are balanced against budget commitments and pressures for the City Council.

·  The Council is looking to implement a new funding model for nonstandard/ specialist residential and nursing care placements in which the level of care needed is above that of a standard package (as defined in the ‘core’ elements’ of a standard residential service). The aim is to take a more consistent and streamlined approach to the fees paid for specialist care and support. The development of a more consistent pricing mechanism supports transparency and fairness across providers.

·  Currently citizens are placed in non-standard/specialist residential and nursing care homes on a variety of differing rates, often for the same level of support. Under the proposed model, citizens with similar support needs will be paid the same rate regardless of where they are placed. Additionally there is often a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12