Purpose

The Appointeeship Service supports people who are unable to manage their own benefits and financial affairs. When the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) appoint the Council as an individual's appointee, the Council is responsible for receiving benefit income, managing finances, paying bills, and ensuring money is used in the person's best interests. The Council is facing increasing financial pressures and is reviewing how services are funded to ensure that they remain sustainable. Introducing a charge would help contribute towards the cost of delivering the Appointeeship Service while allowing the Council to continue providing support to those who need it.

Decision

AGREED: That Cabinet noted the report and:

i)                 Approved the implementation of the proposed charges, which are in line with other authorities who charge, for appointeeship services; and

ii)               Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to keep the charges under review and amend as appropriate.