North East Lincolnshire Council is proposing to make some changes to its approach to charging for respite care, and is asking for people's views on the proposed changes. 

What is respite care?

Respite is a short-term placement in a residential care home which can last anything from one night to eight weeks. 

What is the current approach to charging for respite?

Unlike health services, adult care and support services are not free to access.  The Care Act 2014 sets out the legal basis for means testing access to care and support services. The law allows councils to recover some of what they spend in meeting people’s needs. This means that:

• Some people will pay the full cost of their care and support
• Some people will share the costs of their care and support with the Council
• Some people will receive their care and support for free.

What is the proposal for change?

Instead of charging one of the above four flat fee bands, the proposal is to charge individuals using the same rules that apply to charging for care at home.  This means that each individual will contribute what a financial assessment based on those rules indicates they can afford to pay. 

Does the proposed change mean more people will have financial assessments?

Yes.  A majority of people who access respite also receive other care and support services, so they already have annual financial assessments. That’s not true for everyone, however.  For those people who do not access care and support services other than respite, they will need to be financially assessed to establish how much they can afford to contribute to the cost of their respite stay.

Does the proposed change mean people will pay more, or less, for respite than they do at the moment?   

Although it’s not possible to say definitely, without an individual financial assessment, it is likely that more people will pay less for their respite than they do at the moment. Some people may not pay anything for it at all, if they are already contributing the maximum sum they can afford for other care and support services they get.  There could be some people who pay more as a result of the proposed change, but they will pay no more than a financial assessment shows they can afford.

How many people are likely to be affected by the proposed change?

Around 372 individuals accessed respite in the preceding year, some of them on more than one occasion across the year.  This number might be low when compared with the years before the covid-19 pandemic. 

Why has this change been proposed?

The Council thinks that the proposed approach will be fairer. By financially assessing what each individual can afford to pay, it will be more confident that people are being charged no more than is reasonable. Those with the lowest level of assets will be better off as a result of the proposed change. This is particularly important at a time when concern about the cost of living is high.

The Council is keen to ensure that those who can benefit from respite are able to access it on an affordable basis. This is important for individuals with needs, and their carers. The Council recognises that carers really value the assurance that respite can provide, in allowing them to take a break from their caring role. 

How can I tell the Council what I think of the proposal?

You can access the consultation here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/RespiteNEL/

The consultation lasts for eight weeks.  It is open between 21st October and 16th December 2022. 

What if I want independent help to tell the Council what I think?

Healthwatch has kindly agreed to help with the consultation. Healthwatch is the independent champion for people who use health and care services. If people want help to fill out the consultation, want it in a different format, or want to ask questions about it, they can ring Healthwatch on 01472 361459, or email them at enquiries@healthwatchnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk

What happens after the consultation?

After the consultation, a report will be written to summarise the responses that people gave during the consultation. The Council’s Cabinet will use this report to decide whether to adopt the proposed change or not.  The Cabinet meeting at which a decision may be taken is scheduled for 15th February 2023.  Any change will take effect from the beginning of the financial year, which starts on 27th March 2023. 

More information?

Please contact Emma Overton – emmaoverton@nhs.net/ 0300 3000 662.