The Cabinet of Oxfordshire County Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to discuss and approve changes to the Adult Social Care Contributions Policy, which will modernise and consolidate charging arrangements for Disability Related Expenditure (DRE), transport, and telecare services. The Cabinet also approved recommendations for the re-negotiation of a project agreement with the Oxfordshire Care Partnership (OCP).

Proposed Changes to Adult Social Care Contributions Policy

The Cabinet approved significant changes to the Adult Social Care (ASC) Contributions Policy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency, sustainability, and financial viability. These changes include:

• Reducing the initial Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowance from 35% to 25%. This allowance helps individuals cover extra costs associated with their disability. The council stated this aligns with the practice of many other local authorities, where allowances are often lower or non-existent, with a greater reliance on individual assessments. Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adults, explained that this is a return to the rate previously applied before April 2022, when the council had more financial flexibility. Councillor Lee Evans raised concerns that this change, along with others, would disproportionately affect disabled people, older people, those on low incomes, rural residents, and carers, adding bureaucracy to their lives. Councillor Fletcher acknowledged the potential impact but highlighted existing safeguards, including individual assessments, financial assessment support, and advocacy services, to address these concerns. Councillor Paul-Austin Sargent questioned the council's justification for such a disproportionate impact on poorer residents, comparing the proposed charges to a meagre saving on electricity bills announced by the government. Councillor Fletcher reiterated that the policy aims for consistent charging while ensuring support is based on assessed need and that those unable to pay are protected. She also stated that the council's financial position necessitated these measures.
• Introducing an Adult Social Care Transport Policy with a flat rate of £10 per day for transport arranged by Adult Social Care. This policy aims to clarify the council's approach to transport, with individuals expected to utilise public transport, community schemes, or personal vehicles where possible. Councillor Sargent highlighted that this daily charge, alongside the telecare charge, would be catastrophic for vulnerable residents in his division, Banbury Grimsbury and Castle, who are relatively poorer and more deprived. Councillor Fletcher responded that the charge only applies when ASC arranges transport and that existing users will be reviewed to confirm the necessity of the transport. She also noted that people receiving DLA or PIP Mobility benefits can use these to help cover transport costs, and any shortfall can be considered under DRE.
• Charging all people using telecare the actual cost of the service at £9.87 per week. Telecare services, which are not legally required for councils to provide, currently have varied charging arrangements. The proposed change aims for a consistent charge reflecting the actual cost. Councillor Fletcher stated that this is a return to a previous rate and that the council's financial position means the current arrangements are no longer sustainable.

During the discussion, Councillor Evans questioned whether there were any other savings that could be made to avoid these new charges. Councillor Fletcher confirmed she did not believe so and that the proposal was part of a wider package of measures necessitated by the council's financial position.

The consultation on these proposed changes received 512 responses. Overall, 52% of respondents felt the changes would have a negative impact, citing increased financial pressures, social isolation, and personal safety concerns. However, 9% felt the changes were reasonable. The council's Equality Impact Assessment noted that while the proposals do not target any protected characteristic, they may disproportionately affect older people, disabled people, and those on low incomes due to their higher likelihood of using ASC services. Mitigations include individual financial assessments, hardship provisions, and targeted reviews for high-risk cases.

Re-Negotiation of the Project Agreement with Oxfordshire Care Partnership (OCP)

The Cabinet also considered an exempt report regarding the re-negotiation of the project agreement with the Oxfordshire Care Partnership (OCP). The OCP is a joint venture responsible for maintaining council-owned care homes and providing care services. The Cabinet approved recommendations outlined in the exempt report, which are related to varying the existing contract.

The meeting also noted apologies for absence from Councillor Laura Gordon and confirmed there were no declarations of interest. Reports from Scrutiny Committees were received, and the Cabinet noted the report and recommendations from the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Adult Social Care Charging Policy.