Gloucestershire County Council is inviting residents to find out more about proposed changes to its adult social care fairer contributions policy at an online information event.
The online event has been added for residents who are unable to attend one of the face-to-face sessions and focus groups already taking place across the county.
It will take place on Tuesday 16 April from 6.15pm to 7pm over Microsoft Teams. Amanda Jones, director of adult social care operations and Tricia Gallagher, head of adult social care support services will introduce the session and answer questions from the public.
People who would like to attend can register now at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adult-social-care-fairer-contribution-policy-consultation-information-event-tickets-876134801777
Attendees are advised to read the consultation booklet beforehand so that they can submit any questions they may have about it ahead of the session. Questions should be emailed to: ASC.consultation@gloucestershire.gov.uk
The consultation booklet and details of face-to-face drop-in sessions are available at: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fairer-contributions-policy
The council wants to make sure its fairer contributions policy is clear, accessible, and fair, to support individuals with choice and control over their care. Following a public engagement in 2023, it reviewed its fairer contributions policy and is proposing changes which include:
- increasing the Minimum Income Guarantee (either for everyone or for some), and a change to the Disability Related Expenditure process, which may allow some people to keep more of their income
- a change to how the council charges for short break and respite care and
- the introduction of an admin fee for people who pay the full cost of their care but wish the council to arrange care and support services on their behalf.
Everyone is encouraged to have their say, whether they currently pay for their care or may do so in the future, to make sure that it works for people now and for years to come. People can share their views by visiting the online survey at http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fairer-contributions-policy.
The consultation will end on 6 May 2024.
There will be no changes to the fairer contributions policy, and therefore no changes to how residents are assessed to pay for their care, until the public consultation has concluded, and all feedback has been considered.
Face to Face sessions – reminder of dates
- Wednesday 10 April 2024 – The One Gloucestershire information bus will be at the Market Place in Cirencester between 10am and 3pm
- Thursday 11 April 2024 – There will be an information stand in the atrium at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital between 10am and 3pm
- Friday 12 April 2024 – The One Gloucestershire information bus will be at the High Street in Cheltenham between 10am and 3pm
- Thursday 11 April – The One Gloucestershire information bus will be at the Co-op carpark in Cainscross, Stroud between 10am and 3pm
- Tuesday 16 April – The One Gloucestershire information bus will be at Morrisons car park in Tewkesbury between 10am and 3pm