Purpose

To approve fees and annual uplift level for
2024/2025

Decision

The fee increases have been agreed by the
Corporate Director Health and Adult Services in consultation with
the Executive Member. The report considered is attached.

Reasons for the decision

Contractually the Council has a commitment to
review fee levels on an annual basis. The Council has always taken
into account the market pressures and to seek views from providers
on fee levels, but from April 2015 new statutory responsibilities
under the Care Act 2014 require the Council to shape and sustain
its markets. The rationale for the recommendations are set out in
detail in the report.

Alternative options considered

Negotiations have been taking place with the
ICG since November 2023. The biggest concern stated by the Group
has been the Council’s confirmation that it will not uplift
the Approved Provider List (APL) rates further at this stage, as
per the contract.

As part of the work a number of alternative options were considered
including paying a flat rate to all providers. However these would
not take account of the aim to ensure that the Actual Cost of Care
exercise was implemented in full. The proposed offer will
prioritise those providers paid at the lowest rates, as well as
honouring the terms of the APL.