Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 15, 2025

Purpose: Through appropriate governance routes it has previously been agreed to consult on several changes to our care charging policies, including: 1) Non-residential care charging changes: - Remove the maximum charge cap (currently £250 per week) - Move from charging based on 92% of the cost of service to 100% - Move from 75% of assessable income taken into account to 100% - Consider whether it is worth reducing the amount of disability benefits we automatically disregard from the financial assessment of client contributions from 25% to 20% 2) To agree to moving LBH’s Minimum Income Guarantee calculation in line with DHSC minimum rates. 3) To agree a new, flat rate arrangement fee of £162.65 for self-funders who request that LBH set up or make changes to a package of care for them on their behalf. 4) To agree to a nominal weekly fee for Technology-Enabled Living Services applicable to residents who do not qualify under the eligibility criteria outlined in the Care Act. 5) To introduce a £10 administration fee for Blue Badge applications and renewals. A previous Cabinet Report is attached under "Background Papers" for the decision related to the adult social care care charging policy changes. Following approval, a 13-week consultation took place regarding the change proposals. The consultation ran from Monday 7 July to Sunday 5 October. Working with key user groups and partner organisations, we planned and led 16 consultation events throughout this period and provided both online and paper surveys to residents so they could provide their views on the proposed changes. We received 276 survey responses in total, and residents’ feedback on the proposals has been outlined and responded to in a report for Cabinet. We have considered all of the feedback from the consultation and have made several recommendations, which will also be covered in the upcoming, most recent, Cabinet Report.

Content: RESOLVED:   3.1.   Considering extensive evidence from benchmarking which consistently showed how Hackney is an outlier in relation to its care charging policies, followed by a 13-week consultation with key user groups on some proposed changes, and a review of resident feedback, Cabinet are being asked to agree the following changes to Hackney’s care charging policies:   3.2.   To agree to the following changes to Hackney’s non-residential Care Charging Policy:   3.2.1. To remove the maximum charge cap (currently £250 per week)   3.2.2. To move from charging based on 92% of the cost of service to 100%   3.2.3. To move from 75% of assessable income taken into account to 100%   3.3.  To agree to moving LBH’s Minimum Income Guarantee calculation in line with DHSC minimum rates.   3.4.  To agree a new, flat rate arrangement fee of £162.65 for self-funders who request that LBH set up or make changes to a package of care for them on their behalf.   3.5.  To agree a fee for Technology-Enabled Living Services applicable to residents who do not qualify under the eligibility criteria outlined in the Care Act.   3.6.  To introduce a £10 administration fee for Blue Badge applications and renewals.   3.7.  To confirm an agreement, following consultation and feedback from residents, that the amount of disability benefits we automatically disregard from the financial assessment of client contributions will remain at 25%, and not be reduced to 20% as proposed.