WIREDGOV

This proposed Measure will put in place a new and improved legislation governing local authority charging in Wales.  It will introduce greater clarity into  the charging process and allow for further improvements as part of an incremental approach to tackling present inconsistencies.  

The proposed Measure will also place an obligation on authorities to provide free information about charging.  Where an authority propose to levy a charge they will be required to provide information, in the form of a statement, on the services that are being  charged for, the calculation of the charge and how their charges can be  reviewed if they wish.  

Deputy Minister also announced her intended initial package of reforms. This First Steps Improvement Package takes into account the views of the stakeholder task and finish group and the independent research that was undertaken last year. It is planned to introduce this from April 2011.  

The package will consist of the following:

• to make the existing statutory elements of the Fairer Charging Guidance mandatory.  These provide financial safeguards for those on low incomes
• to set out a maximum weekly charge of £50 for all chargeable services received covered by the proposed Measure
• to require authorities to disregard in full the Constant Attendance Allowance and Severe Disablement Allowance in assessments for charges
• to prohibit authorities from charging for the provision of transport to day centres;
• to require authorities to introduce a procedure for reviewing charges within a specific timeframe

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services said:

“This proposed Measure is our opportunity to put in place a far more consistent charging policy for non-residential social services.  This will mean that the wide inconsistencies that currently exist will be significantly reduced.  It will provide a mechanism for establishing a system that is fair and  simpler to understand and administer. It will also provide greater clarity for service users about how their charges are calculated, as well as putting in place procedures to review and check these charges.

“I am delighted to announce this intended package of reform and it  includes my intention to introduce a £50 per week maximum charge  for all the services covered by the Measure. This will provide  a further financial safeguard to ensure that the burden of charges is reduced to some of our most vulnerable people in our society.”

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Social Care

Social services are delivered to the people of Wales by the 22 local authorities and around 1,800 private and independent organisations.