Purpose

Cabinet approved a report in March 2025 to
begin an enagement process on proposed fee rates. Following
consideration of responses recieved this DAR is to seek approval of
the councils final position

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the
Corporate Director has decided to:
1)   
Confirm the provider fee rates set out in appendix 1, and already
implemented without prejudice, as the final rates that will apply
in 2025/26.

Alternative options considered

1.1         
The Council has limited scope to consider other options given its
statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, and its available
resources.  The Council could have opted
to implement 2025/26 rates that were either lower or higher than
those proposed. Both of these options
were considered and not progressed on the basis that the Council
has identified an appropriate balance between providing uplifts
that will sustain the adult social care sector during 2025/26 and
affordability within available resources.