Purpose

The rates and fees paid to
independent providers of adult social care in community settings
and accommodation-based services are subject to annual review. This
review covers:

Band rates and
individually agreed rates for residential care homes and care homes
with nursing
Rates for supported
living, care and support at home, extra care and other community-based
services

 
For the financial year 2026/27,
decisions on fees will take account of a range of factors and
information, including but not limited to:

Recent changes to the
National Living Wage
Financial challenges
faced by service providers
The current market
position and condition
Service need and
demand
The Council’s
strategic priorities and areas of focus for development and
transformation
The Council’s
overall financial position and the adult social care
budget

 
Commissioners have listened to
feedback and engaged with representatives from the adult social
care sector. This has supported understanding of the current and
future pressures and impacts of approaches to the
review.
 
The review process aims to
support the continued delivery of quality care provision and a
sustainable social care market to ensure people continue to receive
the care and support they need.
 
The Executive Director of
Adults’ Services and Health will make the decision on fees
and rates for commissioned services within the adult social care
and health portfolio for 2026/27.
 

Decision

The Executive Director of Adults’
Services and Health has approved the 26/27 fee increases to
independent sector providers in line with the proposals set out in
section 2 of this report.