Decision details

To approve fees and annual uplift level for 2024/2025

The fee increases have been agreed by the Corporate Director Health and Adult Services in consultation with the Executive Member. The report considered is attached.

Contractually the Council has a commitment to review fee levels on an annual basis. The Council has always taken into account the market pressures and to seek views from providers on fee levels, but from April 2015 new statutory responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 require the Council to shape and sustain its markets. The rationale for the recommendations are set out in detail in the report.

Negotiations have been taking place with the ICG since November 2023. The biggest concern stated by the Group has been the Council’s confirmation that it will not uplift the Approved Provider List (APL) rates further at this stage, as per the contract.

As part of the work a number of alternative options were considered including paying a flat rate to all providers. However these would not take account of the aim to ensure that the Actual Cost of Care exercise was implemented in full. The proposed offer will prioritise those providers paid at the lowest rates, as well as honouring the terms of the APL.