Decision

1. 1

The Chief Social Work Officer brought a report to Committee which asked for the approval of the Fairer Support Planning and Choice Policy for Adult Care and Wellbeing.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:

a.    Approve the Fairer Support Planning and Choice Policy for implementation across Adult Care and Wellbeing

b.    Note that the policy provides a consistent framework for fair, transparent and legally compliant support planning, review and decision-making

c.     Note that implementation will be supported through communications, workforce briefings, guidance, management oversight and quality assurance arrangements

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The recommendations are being made because the Council requires a clear, consistent and legally robust policy framework for fairer support planning and choice in Adult Care and Wellbeing. The proposed policy supports person-centred, strengths-based and proportionate practice while also clarifying how the Council will meet its duties to use public funds fairly and transparently. Approving the policy will help improve consistency in support planning, reviews, direct payments, top ups and recording of decisions. It will also provide clearer guidance for staff and managers, improve transparency for people and carers, and support defensible decision-making where support arrangements are challenged or need to change.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do not introduce a new policy at this time. This option was rejected because it would leave Adult Care and Wellbeing without a single clear and current framework for fairer support planning and choice. That would risk continued inconsistency in practice, variation in decision-making, weaker organisational support for staff, and reduced clarity for people and carers.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Rely only on existing guidance and local practice materials without an overarching policy. This option was rejected because existing guidance does not provide the same level of clarity, authority or coherence as a formally approved policy. A policy is needed to set a clear framework across services and to support lawful, proportionate and transparent decision-making in a consistent way.