Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 5, 2024

Purpose: Cabinet are asked to review the outcome of the Public Consultation and Equality Impact Analysis and agree recommendations on a future course of action.

Content: RESOLVED to   1)      Approve the proposal to discontinue funding the discretionary element provided by the Council’s DDT service, which currently supports the DFG programme in Amber Valley, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and North East Derbyshire by 31 March 2025;   2)      Approve the implementation of a reduced DDT service operational from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, the scope of the work undertaken being limited to those individual cases where it has been identified that the County Council has a statutory duty to meet an eligible need by way of the adaption following an assessment to support and oversee projects which are already in transition and/or cases which are otherwise considered suitable for or merits DDT involvement and oversight. Activity beyond the 31 March 2026 for services that fit within our statutory duties will continue to be funded via the MAB.   3)      Note that a Cabinet Report is planned for January 2025 seeking approval to publicly consult on a new adaptations funding policy and procedure governing projects which seek ‘top-up’ funding over the DFG financial threshold, by way of meeting assessed eligible needs under the Care Act 2014 or pursuant to s2(1)(e) Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.   4)      Note that the Council shall, by 12 December 2024 write to the six District and Boroughs affected by the above, giving formal notice of the Council’s intention to discontinue funding the discretionary activity of the DDT supporting DFG projects on 31 March 2025, providing them with a two-week deadline to confirm whether they wish to wholly fund, for a 12 month period commencing 1st April 2025, the discretionary service the DDT provides supporting DFG funded projects.  If they wish to do so, discussions would take place with a view to a service level agreement being finalised on or before 31 March 2025.