Council set to cut support for users with moderate needs

People with moderate care needs would be excluded from support under plans to increase the eligibility threshold for care to substantial in Derbyshire.

The county council’s plan, which has been issued for consultation, would save about £4m a year, is part of a package of measures issued last week to combat significant funding pressures across adult care over the next five years.

This is the first case of a council proposing to increase eligibility criteria since warnings were issued by local government leaders last month that such moves were on the cards.

Derbyshire is among a quarter of councils to set a moderate eligibility threshold for care under the fair access to care services guidance.

This applies to people who are unable to carry out several personal care tasks or family or work roles, while the substantial threshold applies to people who cannot carry out the majority of personal care tasks or family roles, or are at risk of abuse.

By raising criteria, Derbyshire would join the majority of councils (72%) in having a substantial threshold.

The plan have now gone out to consultation, alongside proposals for users to contribute from their own income and savings to personal budgets, which could net the council a further £8.7m a year.

This would involve people contributing £23.90 a week from their attendance or disability living allowance payments, or up to £200 a week from their savings if these exceed £50,000.

In a report to the council’s cabinet last week, strategic director for adult care Bill Robertson warned that the council could face a cumulative overspend of over £90m in adult care over the next five years as a result of demographic pressures, the introduction of personalisation and government cuts.

Related articles

Thousands set to lose out on social services support

Councils planning for 40% adult care cuts, says Adass head

Care minister Burstow rejects council job cuts claim

Care charges set to soar for users in Warwickshire