Decision details

To approve the proposed changes in carer fees for Shared Lives for 2026/27.

Approval has been given to introduce a simplified Shared Lives carer payment model.
This introduces a single weekly Live-In care rate based on assessed need, removes separate day and night payments, aligns Short Breaks (Respite) payments with Live-In care rates, and adds a discretionary payment for exceptional circumstances where carers provide support beyond that expected within the proposed bandings.

To improve consistency and transparency of payments, align payments more closely to assessed need, support long-term affordability and sustainability and reduce reliance on complex additional payments.

The following three options were considered for Shared Lives carer payments as part of the new service model:
• Retain the current payment arrangements
• Absorb the additional day rate into the core banding to create a simple three-tier payment structure
• Introduce a simplified payment model with a single weekly payment, removing all separate day and night payments.
Option 2 was considered to remove some of the more complex elements of the current payment model, creating a clearer and more consistent structure while helping to bring North Yorkshire Council into line with other local authorities.